hi INDiA | Novermber 21, 2025 | The Community First by hi INDiA Weekly

A TURNING POINT From Model Minority to Political Target: Indians Face a Changing America

“The problem is also that unlike Latinos, Indians never built strong support systems for others who immigrated after them.”

- Emmy Award winning filmmaker and NYU professor Ruchira Gupta

“We’re seeing a troubling rise in hostility toward Indian and Hindu-American communities from online hate to objections to cultural celebrations. Political leaders play a role in amplifying these fears.” -Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi

– Aneri Desai, Career strategist

“H-1B workers aren’t job takers. Many create jobs, especially in tech, where more than half of billion-dollar startups were immigrant-founded.”

As racism against Indians in America seems to be at an all-time high ranging from online trolling and coordinated hate campaigns to political calls for visa restrictions, it’s time to address what may be causing this climate of hostility.

PUBLISHED WEEKLY

PUBLISHED

Hi INDIA

CORPORATE

: 6525 Crawford ave., Lincolnwood, ILL 60712 advt@hiindiaweekly.com

CORPORATE OFFICE : 6525 N. Crawford ave., Lincolnwood, ILL 60712 advt@hiindiaweekly.com

EAST COAST : Tel.: 773.684.4058

Advertising : 773.552.6083 editor@hiindiaweekly.com

PUBLISHER- MANAGING EDITOR

PUBLISHER- MANAGING EDITOR Hemant Brahmbhaatt hemant@hiindiaweekly.com (773)552-6083

Hemant Brahmbhaatt hemant@hiindiaweekly.com (773)552-6083

MAIN OFFICE Tel: (773) 338-0222 Fax: (773) 338-0688

EDITOR C. H. Murthy

EDITOR

EDITOR C. H. Murthy

C. H. Murthy

INTERNATIONAL NEWS EDITOR

INTERNATIONAL NEWS EDITOR Yogesh brahmbhatt

Yogesh brahmbhatt

INTERNATIONAL NEWS EDITOR Yogesh brahmbhatt

SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT Ajai Agnihotri Zofeen Maqsood

Ajai Agnihotri Zofeen Maqsood

CONTRIBUTING REPORTERS

Dr. Nilesh D. Mehta

Dr. Nilesh D. Mehta Aditi Brahmbhatt

Aditi Brahmbhatt

ST. LOUIS

ST. LOUIS Ashwin Patel, (314) 423.9990

Ashwin Patel, (314) 423.9990

MILWAUKEE BUREAU

MILWAUKEE ADVERTISING Dinesh Sanghavi (414) 771.3535

AHMEDABAD BUREAU YOGESH BRAHMBHATT

MUMBAI BUREAU

ADVERTISING

VIMAL N. UPADHYAYA +91 98676 26290 | vimal@hiindia.com

Hemant Brahmbhaatt

ADVERTISING Hemant Brahmbhaatt

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Yogesh Brahmbhatt Ibrahim Keriwala

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Yogesh Brahmbhatt Ibrahim Keriwala Jitendra Kumar

Jitendra Kumar

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Yogesh Brahmbhatt | Ibrahim Keriwala Jitendra Kumar

PHOTO / WEB SITE

Jinesh Modi / Vijay Shah

PHOTO / WEB SITE Jinesh Modi / Vijay Shah

ACCOUNTS EXECUTIVE

ACCOUNTS EXECUTIVE Purnima Brahmbhatt

Purnima Brahmbhatt

ACCOUNTS EXECUTIVE Purnima Brahmbhatt

hi INDIA

May your days be joyful and bright

Find some twinkling Chicagoland traditions for your family to enjoy at ComEd.com/Holiday

Happy Holidays from ComEd.

Trump Orders Release of Epstein Files

US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he signed a bill ordering the release of all files related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The bill requires the justice department to release all information from its Epstein investigation "in a searchable and downloadable format" within 30 days.

Trump previously opposed releasing the files, but he changed course last week after facing pushback from Epstein's victims and members of his own Republican Party.

Pichai Hails

Immigrant Contributions

Sundar Pichai himself arrived in the US as an international student before moving to an H-1B visa, eventually rising to lead Google and its parent company, Alphabet.

US City Fined for Killing Disabled Dog

A US city has agreed to pay Rs 4.4 crore ($500,000) in damages to a dog owner after a police officer fatally shot a deaf and blind pet despite the little dog posing no threat to them. The five-year-old Shih Tzu named Teddy was killed in May 2024 when it slipped off Nicholas Hunter's fenced-off yard to a neighbour's property while he was eating dinner. Since police in Sturgeon, Missouri, are responsible for animal control, the neighbour called them for help reuniting him with his owner.

US military officials in Ukraine for talks on ending war

With his support, the legislation overwhelmingly cleared both chambers of Congress, the House of Representatives and Senate, on Tuesday.

In a post on Truth Social on Wednesday, the president accused Democrats of championing the issue to distract attention from the achievements of his administration.

"Perhaps the truth about these Democrats, and their associations with Jeffrey Epstein, will soon be revealed, because I HAVE JUST SIGNED THE BILL TO RELEASE THE EPSTEIN FILES!" he wrote.

Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai has praised the role of immigrants in shaping the United States' technology landscape, calling their contributions "phenomenal". He said that the government "understands it" and that there are still avenues to bring "talented individuals".

In an interview with the BBC, Pichai said, "If you look at the history of technology development, the contribution of immigrants to the sector has been nothing but phenomenal." He noted that while the H-1B visa system has its "shortcomings," the government is working to address them. "I think there's a framework by which we all can still bring talented individuals. I think they're making changes to address some of the shortcomings in the current programme," he added.

Pichai himself arrived in the US as an international student before moving to an H-1B visa, eventually rising to lead Google and its parent company, Alphabet.

His defence of immigration is consistent with his long-held views.

In June 2020, following the Trump administration's move to suspend immigrant work visas, Pichai wrote on X, "Immigration has contributed immensely to America's economic success, making it a global leader in tech, and also Google the company it is today. Disappointed by today's proclamation - we'll continue to stand with immigrants and work to expand opportunity for all."

The latest debate surrounding the H-1B system intensified after former President Donald Trump announced a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applications in September. The White House has since clarified that its goal is to curb abuses within the programme rather than eliminate it entirely.

Trump’s Warm Welcome Benefits Saudi Prince

US President Donald Trump gave Saudi Arabia's crown prince a lavish reception in Washington, offering a defence agreement that includes cutting-edge warplanes and absolving him of the murder of an American journalist. Less clear was what Trump got in return.

The US leader greeted Mohammed bin Salman with a dozen flag-carrying soldiers on horseback, a Marine Corps

band playing from the White House balcony and a flyover by the F-35 fighter jets the Saudis have long coveted.

The White House later said the two countries signed a loosely worded defence cooperation pact, and Trump designated Saudi Arabia as a “major non-NATO ally” at a dinner in honor of his 40-year-old ally.

The pomp matched that with which the Crown Prince greeted Trump on his visit to Saudi Arabia earlier this year. In exchange, Trump got a vague promise for the Saudis to invest as much as $1 trillion in the US — up from a previous pledge of $600 billion. That adds to trillions of dollars in similar pledges that Trump has received in trade deals with other partners, and which experts say may never materialise.

Senior Pentagon officials have arrived in Ukraine to "discuss efforts to end the war" with Russia, the US military has said. The team, led by US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, is expected to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on Thursday when he returns from a trip to Turkey. Reports began surfacing on Wednesday that the US and Russia had prepared a new peace plan, containing major concessions from Ukraine. Neither Washington nor Moscow has officially confirmed the plan. Earlier in the day, at least 26 people were killed in a Russian missile and drone attack on Ukraine's western city of Ternopil, officials there said. Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Meta To Delete Under-16 Accounts

Australians younger than 16 will be removed from Facebook and Instagram on December 4, tech giant Meta said Thursday, as Canberra prepares to enforce sweeping laws banning teens from social media.

Australia will from December 10 force social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to remove users under the age of 16 or face hefty fines. Meta said that it would start removing teenagers from its platforms ahead of the ban coming into force.

"From today, Meta will be notifying Australian users it understands to be aged 13-15 that they will lose access to Instagram, Threads and Facebook," Meta said in a statement.

"Meta will begin blocking new under-16 accounts and revoking existing access from 4 December, expecting to remove all known under-16s by 10 December."

Teenagers will be able to access their accounts "exactly as you left it" once they turn 16, Meta said.

Social media companies have previously described the laws as "vague", "problematic" and "rushed".

Meta again voiced its concerns on Thursday. "We share the Australian Government's goal of creating safe, age-appropriate online experiences, but cutting teens off from their friends and communities isn't the answer."

HiIndia Newsdesk

Last year, Diwali made headlines in America as a rising economic force, with major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Costco stocking Diwali-themed products.

The momentum continued in 2025, cementing Diwali as both a commercial fixture and a socio-cultural celebration, with more states including Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and California adding it to their official holiday calendars.

But this year in America, Diwali was in the news for another reason too. Across several states, including Morrisville, North Carolina, Jersey City and parts of Texas, authorities were called in to address safety issues linked to illegal fireworks, late-night disturbances, and litter from celebrations. Some Indians complained that unlike previous years’ many of their White neighbors decided to call police on them to stop the firework celebrations.

It wasn’t just the local residents who sensed a touch of hostility from some community members. The racism was even apparent for political bigwigs online. When FBI director Kash Patel wished his 1.9 million followers Happy Diwali, the responses ranged from “This is a Christian Nation. Check your foreigner stuff at the gate,” “Go back” to “Get the f**k out of my country.” Similar comments stalked Nikki Haley, Vivek Ramaswamy and others who posted Diwali greetings.

Not too long after Diwali, members of a far-right group, Take Action Texas stood outside the Karya Sidhi Hanuman Temple in Frisco, Texas, holding placards reading “Don’t India my Texas” and “Reject foreign demons.”

Just weeks earlier, a Ganesh Chaturthi street procession in Texas drew backlash after a local businessman posted on X, complaining that Indian festivals were taking over the streets and writing, “We have to cancel the H-1Bs. I want my kids to grow up in America, not India.” While incidents like these, highlight growing cultural flashpoints in America, the political climate is telling an even sharper story, one that points to rising hostility toward Indians, especially H-1B professionals – a vast majority of whom are Indians

For many Indians in American, these unprecedented times of hostility and misjudgment about their professional contribution to America are fast signaling something deeper — that there is a notable shift in how Indians are being perceived in an increasingly polarized Trump 2.0 America

The H-1B Debate

Across the country, Republican lawmakers have intensified calls to dismantle the H-1B program altogether. In recent weeks, leaders such as Oklahoma State Senator Dusty Deevers and Congressman Andy Ogles have urged a complete end to H-1Bs, framing it as a “scam” that displaces American workers. Their rhetoric has been echoed in new bills from Marjorie Taylor Greene and Chip Roy, who are pushing proposals to freeze all immigration or aggressively phase out the visa. Even party groups like the Young Republicans of Texas have declared they will not endorse any national candidate who supports keeping H-1Bs. At the same time, federal enforcement is tightening: the Department of Labor’s new “Project Firewall” allows investigations without worker complaints and imposes steep

A TURNING POINT

From Model Minority to Political Target: Indians Face a Changing America

As racism against Indians in America seems to be at an alltime high ranging from online trolling and coordinated hate campaigns to political calls for visa restrictions, it’s time to address what may be causing this climate of hostility.

Zofeen Maqsood

“The problem is also that unlike Latinos, Indians never built strong support systems for others who immigrated after them.”

penalties, putting IT-staffing and outsourcing firms under heightened scrutiny. Immigration attorneys warn that these moves represent a turning point in how high-skill visas are viewed and regulated, contributing to an atmosphere of unprecedented hostility toward Indian professionals in the U.S. Many Indians are also feeling left out as they do not hear enough support from their own Indian-origin lawmakers and influencers. When Nalin Haley, son of former ambassador Nikki Haley, spoke about banning the H-1B program, it exposed a clear generational shift, one in which the very families that once benefited from America’s immigrant pathways now oppose extending similar opportunities to others.

Kash Patel during the White House Diwali celebrations said: “It’s an honor to be a first-generation IndianAmerican, whose parents lawfully immigrated to this country.” The emphasis on “lawful immigration” did not go unnoticed amongst activists and advocates indicating that Patel was towing the same hard line on immigration just as his administration.

A coordinated campaign to Harass

In September, far-right trolls on 4Chan launched a coordinated harassment campaign dubbed “Operation Clog the Toilet.” The goal was to flood airlines with fake bookings to prevent Indian H-1B visa holders from returning to the U.S. before former President Trump’s newly announced $100,000 H-1B fee

40 fireworks complaints. In Brampton, Canada, where fireworks have been banned since 2022, authorities recorded more than 1,400 complaints and issued $45,000 in fines. Viral videos of theatre littering after Indian movie premieres or noise disturbances during processions have fueled perceptions of disregard for civic norms. Rajat Gupta, creator of the Instagram account @ ouramericandream.vlogs, documents such incidents to spark conversation. “Some Indians ignore social norms,” he says. “Celebrations that feel normal in India can clash with expectations here. If we don’t acknowledge this, we’ll keep getting typecast.”

Indians Job Takers or Job Creators?

“H-1B workers aren’t job takers. Many create jobs, especially in tech, where more than half of billion-dollar startups were immigrant-founded.”

took effect.

Growing Indian population and influence

Today, immigrants make up 15.4% of the U.S. population. Among them, the Indian diaspora is now 5.2 million strong and has grown massively by 174% in two decades. Scholars note that such rapid demographic change often intensifies existing anxieties. Indian Americans once comfortably seen as “model minorities” now face scrutiny fueled by their visibility and success. Emmy Award winning filmmaker and NYU professor Ruchira Gupta sees this troubling pattern emerging but also looks inward: “Unlike Latinos, Indians never built strong newcomer support systems for others who came after them. In a society, it is easier to subjugate those who do not have a backing from their own community.”

Political Rhetoric Fueling the Hatred

Trump-era proposals for mass deportations and high visa fees have emboldened anti-immigrant sentiments. In Florida, Councilmember Chandler Langevin called for Indians to be “deported immediately” after a traffic incident involving an undocumented immigrant.

Community Self-Reflection

While many incidents stem from bigotry, some tensions originate within the community itself. This Diwali, officials in Edison, New Jersey, received

Indians hold 71% of all H-1B visas, but does that mean they are taking away jobs? Career strategist Aneri Desai says: “H-1B workers aren’t job takers. Many create jobs, especially in tech, where more than half of billion-dollar startups were immigrant-founded.” The Florida governor’s recent directive to end H-1B hiring in state universities alarmed immigrant communities. Ron DeSantis accused institutions of “importing foreign workers instead of hiring qualified Americans.”

The Rise of a New Slur: “Pajeet” In this environment, an obscure online slur is gaining real-world traction. “Pajeet,” a derogatory term born on 4Chan around 2015, is now spreading across Reddit, X, and Instagram. It lumps Hindus, Sikhs, and other South Asians into a single degrading caricature often paired with memes about toilets, cow dung, or “designated shitting streets.”

For many, the word recalls the racist “Paki” slur used in the U.K. for decades. Digital culture scholars trace its rise to far-right spaces where Indian immigrants, especially H-1B holders have become targets of resentment. What began as fringe mockery has leaked into mainstream internet culture.

But there’s Hope

But as anti-immigrant rhetoric overwhelms the mood board in the country, there are also signs of hope. NYC elected its first ever Indian-origin mayor. Zohran Mamdani will be the 111th mayor of New York City and the first Indian-origin leader in the city’s history after defeating former governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa. Mamdani’s fearless, rule-breaking campaign energized progressives, young voters, and diverse communities across the city, positioning him as a powerful challenger to the political old guard. Celebrating the victory, Bernie Sanders wrote on social media, “Starting at 1% in the polls, Zohran Mamdani pulled off one of the great political upsets in modern American history,” adding that he looks forward to working with Mamdani “as he builds a city that works for all.”

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi

- Emmy Award winning filmmaker and NYU professor Ruchira Gupta

– Aneri Desai, Career strategist

Trump Plan: No Green Cards for Aid Users

Officials at the Department of Homeland Security drafted a proposal that could block green cards to immigrants likely to rely on government support.

The Trump administration has proposed a new rule that could deny green cards to immigrants who are likely to use government assistance, tightening the existing “public charge” policy introduced in 2022. The Department of Homeland Security will publish the proposal on November 19, followed by a 30-day public comment period.

The rule would expand the authority of immigration officers to judge whether an applicant may depend on benefits such as food stamps, Medicaid, or housing aid. Officials would evaluate factors including age, health, finances, education, skills, family circumstances, and past use of government support. DHS says it wants to restore broader discretion so officers can assess the “totality of the circumstances” and ensure immigrants are self-reliant.

The proposal would cancel the Biden-era rule that prevented immigrants from being penalised for using certain benefits.

Advocacy groups warn the change could discourage millions from seeking essential services for fear of losing green card eligibility.

Trump’s Son to Attend Udaipur Wedding

US President Donald Trump's businessman son, Donald Trump Jr, is likely to visit India over the weekend. Trump Jr is expected to attend a highprofile destination wedding of an Indian American couple in Rajasthan's Udaipur. In anticipation of his possible arrival, a team from a US security agency has already arrived in Udaipur and is reviewing security arrangements, sources in the Rajasthan police told.They said that the high-profile wedding will take place on November 21 and 22. The main ceremony will take place at the historic Jag Mandir Palace, located amidst Lake Pichola, while other wedding-related festivities will be held at Manek Chowk within the City Palace. Trump Jr, however, will stay at The Leela Palace Udaipur, sources said.

200 Indians Deported from US Including Gangster Anmol

Bishnoi

A US deportation flight carrying around 200 Indian nationals landed in Delhi on the morning of November 19. Among those sent back was wanted gangster

Anmol Bishnoi, brother of jailed criminal Lawrence Bishnoi, along with two other fugitives from Punjab. Sources say several Gujaratis may also have been onboard, though exact numbers remain unconfirmed.

US Approves

$93 Million Arms Deal for India

The United States has approved a possible $92.8 million defence sale to India, covering Javelin missile systems and Excalibur precision artillery rounds.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress of the two packages, saying the deal aligns with US foreign policy goals and

strengthens the strategic partnership with India. The first package, worth $45.7 million, includes Javelin FGM148 missiles, 25 Lightweight Command Launch Units, basic skills trainers, simulation rounds, battery coolant units, manuals, spare parts, refurbishment services, and training support.

The second package, valued at $47.1 million, includes up to 216 M982A1 Excalibur tactical projectiles along with fire control systems, primers, propellant charges, technical assistance, and logistics support.

The DSCA said the sale will boost India’s ability to address current and future threats, enhance homeland defence.

Gujarati Student Arrested in US Fraud Case

A Gujarati student from Massachusetts, Samyag Doshi, was arrested in Newport, Rhode Island, after he arrived to collect a cash-filled parcel from a senior citizen who had been targeted in an elaborate fraud scheme. According to federal court documents cited by NBC10, Doshi, a resident of Dorchester, faces wire fraud charges and was denied bond after appearing in court on Monday. The victim had already lost $50,000 to scammers and was preparing to hand over more money when police

This was the second deportation flight from the US this month. A previous flight on November 6 brought back around 150 Indians, including approximately 25 Gujaratis, according to one deportee. Anmol Bishnoi had illegally entered the United States in 2024 and later sought asylum. However, his alleged involvement in high-profile cases in India—including the murders of former MLA Baba Siddiqui and singer Sidhu Moosewala— made him a priority target for Indian agencies. After his deportation from the US on November 18, he was taken into custody by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) upon arrival in Delhi. US authorities had arrested Bishnoi in Sacramento in late 2024 for illegal entry. His identity was confirmed through DNA and voice sample verification by the FBI. He was later detained in an Iowa facility, where he continued to fight his deportation.

Bishnoi, a resident of Fazilka in Punjab, is wanted in at least 18 cases. He reportedly fled India in April 2024 on a fake passport under the name Anmol Bhanu Pratap, living in California with associates, including gangster Goldy Brar. The NIA had announced a Rs.10 lakh reward for his capture in October 2024.

Nitish Kumar To Take Oath Today

Nitish Kumar, the national president of the Janata Dal (United), is set to be sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Bihar for a record 10th time today. The swearing-in ceremony will be held at Patna's historice Gandhi Maidan. This comes nearly a week after the Bihar Assembly elections delivered a verdict in favour of the BJP-led NDA. The people of Bihar chose the NDA, giving the ruling alliance 202 seats, while the Mahagathbandhan (MGB) managed to win just 35. The outcome was unexpected for both blocs.

Tharoor Slammed Over PM Remark

intervened. The fraud began in October when the victim received a voicemail claiming unauthorized charges on their account. When the victim called back, a scammer posing as a federal officer falsely accused them of involvement in a $30,000 money-laundering investigation, pressuring them to withdraw cash and hand it over to a “courier.”

After the first pickup, scammers demanded $30,000 more. Suspicious bank activity and a jeweler’s alert about a man trying to buy gold worth $200,000 led police to the victim, who agreed to cooperate. On November 13, officers used a fake $70,000 check and prepared $45,000 in cash as bait. Doshi arrived to collect the parcel and was immediately arrested. After police examined his phone, he admitted to participating in similar pickups four or five times and was promised $500 for the Newport delivery. Police have also arrested another individual in Chicago linked to the same scheme.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor continued to come under fire from his colleagues over his praise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Ramnath Goenka Lecture, with party leader Sandeep Dikshit asking him why is he a part of the outfit if he "feels that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s strategies are working better".

"If you really feel that the BJP or PM Modi's strategies are working better than the party you are in, then you should give an explanation. If you cannot give one, you are a hypocrite," Dikshit, son of former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, said.

HiIndia Newsdesk

High-Fibre Diet To 12:12 Fasting, 3 Easy Weight Loss Tips From An AIIMS Doctor

HiIndia Newsdesk

Losing belly fat can be particularly stubborn, but gastroenterologist and hepatologist Dr. Saurabh Sethi offers three practical, science-backed strategies using intermittent fasting (IF) in a recent Instagram video. Trained at AIIMS, Harvard, and Stanford, Dr. Sethi explains how small, sustainable tweaks can make a big impact

1. Start Gentle: 12-Hour Fasting

Dr. Sethi recommends beginning with a 12:12 fasting schedule — fasting for 12 hours and eating during the remaining 12 (for example, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.). This mild version of IF is easier to sustain and helps improve sleep and curb late-night snacking. According to dietitian Kanikka Malhotra, cited by the Indian Express, this pattern brings metabolic benefits like better insulin sensitivity without being overly restrictive

2. Stick to Non-Calorie Drinks During the Fast

What you sip during the fasting window matters. Dr. Sethi advises sticking to zero-calorie beverages

like water, black coffee, green or black tea, lemon or basil-infused water, apple cider vinegar, and herbal teas such as ginger or chamomile. These drinks help with hydration, suppress hunger, and preserve the fasting state without breaking it.

3. Eat Smart: Protein + Fibre Combo

During the eating window, your meals should focus on high-protein and high-fibre foods. Dr. Sethi recommends protein sources like paneer, tofu, chickpeas, chicken, turkey, and fish, combined with fibre-

Minimal Toothpaste Needed for a Bright Smile

Maintaining good dental hygiene is essential for healthy teeth and a charming smile. One important aspect of oral care is brushing our teeth correctly, but are we getting it right? Using excessive toothpaste while brushing can be more than just a wasteful habit; it may also have negative impacts on your health.

According to a study by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, excessive fluoride consumption in children, often resulting from using too much toothpaste, can cause dental fluorosis. While fluoride is effective in preventing tooth decay, ingesting high amounts can lead to discolouration and pitting of permanent teeth in young

children.

The study's findings revealed that about 80% of children aged 3-15 years started brushing their teeth at or above 1 year of age, and around a third brushed their teeth only once daily. Roughly 40% of children between 3-6 years used an excessive amount of toothpaste.

The Right Amount Of Toothpaste As Per Your Age

Periodontist and dental implant specialist Dr Miles Madison reveals the right amount of toothpaste you need for brushing your teeth. He shares that the right amount of toothpaste really depends on your age. The amount remains the same until age 6, by which time the swallowing reflex in kids has developed sufficiently to prevent inadvertent ingestion.

rich fruits and vegetables. This combo keeps you feeling full, supports muscle maintenance, and helps your body burn fat more efficiently. Nutrition experts say balanced meals are crucial for long-term fat loss through intermittent fasting.

Why It Works — and Some Research Backing

Intermittent fasting has been studied extensively, and recent research supports Dr. Sethi’s advice. A 2024 study from Arizona State University

Intermittent fasting has been studied extensively, and recent research supports Dr. Sethi’s advice. A 2024 study from Arizona State University demonstrated that combining IF with a “protein-pacing” diet led to greater fat loss, improved metabolic health, and a healthier gut microbiome compared to simple calorie restriction.

demonstrated that combining IF with a “protein-pacing” diet led to greater fat loss, improved metabolic health, and a healthier gut microbiome compared to simple calorie restriction.

Another large review of nearly 99 clinical trials found that timerestricted eating (a form of IF) offers similar weight-loss results as traditional calorie-restricted diets, while also improving blood pressure and cholesterol. Experts also warn not to get too aggressive too soon. As Malhotra noted, IF needs to be tailored to an individual’s lifestyle and medical condition, and the success depends on both timing and what you eat.

5-Minute Stress Relief: Expert’s 3 Breathing Hacks

Stress is inevitable. From professional responsibilities to personal pressures, it is something we cannot evade. But according to integrative lifestyle expert Luke Coutinho, simple breathing techniques can help you manage stress more effectively and calm your mind in minutes. Luke Coutinho added that over the last 14 years, every patient who came to him for treatment had one commonality: chronic stress. Even the fittest people were suffering from the ailment, he claimed. “Some of them have sleep deprivation, some of them don't. But chronic stress is the commonality,” he shared.

Breathing Exercises To Reduce Stress

On that note, Luke Coutinho revealed that 3 science-backed breathing

techniques lowered cortisol immediately in less than 5 minutes. “Your problems outside may not change, but inside, if you drop cortisol quickly, that's when your environment changes. Your environment is what controls inflammation, a low immune system and everything else,” he stressed.

4-7-8

Breathing Technique

You can either sit straight or lie down for this exercise. In the first step, inhale 4 seconds through your nostrils, hold for 7 seconds and then open your mouth to exhale with a “whoosh” sound in a controlled manner for 8 seconds. And that's about it.

Luke Coutinho explained that even 3-5 minutes of a 4-7-8 exercise can drop cortisol levels by almost 25 to 35 per cent, “changing the environment in your body.”

Sundar Pichai

Warns Of AI Bubble Amid Market Jitters

Market volatility intensifies as indices fall, Bitcoin retreats and major investors trim AI bets even as economists offer contrasting views on the sustainability of the investment surge

Don't blindly trust what AI tells you

In an exclusive interview, chief executive Sundar Pichai said that AI models are "prone to errors" and urged people to use them alongside other tools.

Mr Pichai said it highlighted the importance of having a rich information ecosystem, rather than solely relying on AI technology.

"This is why people also use Google search, and we have other products that are more grounded in providing accurate information." However, some experts say big tech firms such as Google should not be inviting users to fact-check their tools' output, but should focus instead on making their systems more reliable.

While AI tools were helpful "if you want to creatively write something", Mr Pichai said people "have to learn to use these tools for what they're good at, and not blindly trust everything they say".

Hyundai

CEO Says White House Apologized Over Georgia Raid

Alphabet chief executive Sundar Pichai has warned that no tech company will be unscathed if a global artificial intelligence boom were to collapse, as soaring valuations and aggressive capital deployment revive concerns of a widening market bubble.

In an interview with the BBC, Pichai described the current phase of AI investment as an “extraordinary moment” but acknowledged “elements of irrationality” reminiscent of the dotcom-era “irrational exuberance”. While expressing confidence in Google’s ability to withstand a downturn, he admitted: “I think no company is going to be immune, including us.”

Investor enthusiasm has propelled Alphabet’s shares by 46 per cent this year on expectations that the company can hold its ground against OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT. But unease over elevated valuations and the durability of AI-driven spending has begun to seep into broader markets.

On Monday, major US indices had posted notable declines, marking the first time since April 30 that both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq closed below their 50-day moving averages. US stock futures extended losses on Tuesday, with investors turning cautious ahead of Nvidia’s results due Wednesday, widely viewed as a barometer for the AI-led rally.

Large investors trimming AI exposures have further unsettled sentiments. Billionaire Peter Thiel’s hedge fund exited its entire Nvidia stake in the third quarter, while SoftBank CEO Masayoshi

Hyundai chief executive José Muñoz said on Wednesday that the White House phoned him personally to apologise for a massive immigration raid at a factory in the US state of Georgia. Speaking at a conference of business leaders in Singapore, Mr Muñoz said the governor of Georgia had also called him and said "I don't know what happened, this is not state jurisdiction."

In September, more than 300 South Korean workers were detained in a raid at a battery plant operated by Hyundai and electronics giant LG, raising tensions between Washington and Seoul.

During the raid, workers were forced to sit on the floor of the factory as officers shackled their legs in scenes that sparked outrage in South Korea.

The workers were held in detention for more than a week before being flown home after the South Korean government held urgent talks with the US.

Son has also offloaded Nvidia holdings, redirecting proceeds into a substantial bet on OpenAI.

Stocks tumble

Asian shares tumbled on Tuesday, with benchmarks in Tokyo and Seoul sinking more than 3 per cent. Back home, snapping the six-day rally, the Sensex dropped 278 points to 84673.02, and the Nifty settled at 25910.05, lower by 103.4 points.

Bitcoin down

Cryptocurrency markets also reflected the broader risk aversion, with Bitcoin briefly falling below $90,000 on Tuesday for the first time in seven months before recovering above $91,000 later in the day.

Expert opinion remains divided. IMF chief economist Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas said on October 14 that while a dotcom-style correction was possible, it was unlikely to trigger a broader economic crisis. “This is not financed by debt, and that means if there is a market correction, some shareholders, some equity holders, may lose out,” he said.

Conversely, Goldman Sachs economist Joseph Briggs argued in an October 16 note that the multibillion-dollar capital flows into US AI infrastructure remain sustainable, though he cautioned that “the ultimate AI winners remain less clear” given rapid technological shifts and low switching costs.

US lifts restrictions on flights in time for Thanksgiving travel

The US transportation department has lifted its emergency order to cut flights across the country, saying enough air traffic controllers are now coming to work to alleviate safety concerns.

During the government shutdown that started in October, there was a rise in absences of air traffic controllers, who - as essential employees - were required to work without pay, which led airports to delay or ground flights.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) then ordered airlines from 7 November to cut scheduled takeoffs in order to prevent safety issues.

Why NRIs Still Don’t Return Home

A man who returned to India after 25 years in the United States said the biggest “deal breaker” stopping many NRIs from coming back is India’s chaotic traffic. In a post on X, Naresh explained that as he and his wife near retirement, several US-based friends are considering a return, but the daily road chaos makes them hesitant despite India’s many positives. He said wealthy NRIs are willing to invest in India but are discouraged by lane violations, constant honking, and unpredictable driving—issues they don’t face abroad.

Responding to comments, he said people return for reasons like aging parents, affordable healthcare, or home help, but traffic remains the most frustrating part of life in India. Others suggested living in smaller towns to escape congestion. The debate comes amid rising discussions among NRIs about returning home as the US tightens visa rules and immigration enforcement.

RSS Chief: “All Who Revere India Are Hindus”

Guwahati (Assam):

Stressing that Hinduism is not bound to religious connotations but is inclusive, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat has said that if Muslims and Christians worship this country, follow Indian culture, even without giving up their customs and traditions, then they are also Hindus.

While addressing a gathering of intellectuals, scholars, editors, writers, and entrepreneurs during his visit to Assam, as part of the RSS's centenary celebrations on Tuesday, Bhagwat said, "Those who carry forward the devotion to the motherland, the pride of our ancestors and the legacy of our culture are all Hindus. Hinduism should not be taken in religious connotations. Hinduism and Hindu culture are not food and worship. It is inclusive."

Jaish Seeks Rs. 6,400 Donations For Planned ‘Fidayeen’ Strike: Sources

Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed, linked to the recent Red Fort car bomb blast, is reportedly preparing a new ‘fidayeen’ or suicide squad to target India and is actively raising funds for the operation, according to intelligence sources. Investigators probing the Red Fort explosion have uncovered indications that Jaish leaders sought digital donations through platforms such as the Pakistani app SadaPay. Inputs also suggest the possibility of a women-led attack.

Jaish already operates a women’s wing led by Masood Azhar’s sister, Sadiya. This unit, known as Jamat ul-Muminat, was formed after India’s Op Sindoor decimated JeM camps in Bahawalpur. One of the key suspects in the Red Fort blast, Dr Shahina Saeed—codenamed

‘Madam Surgeon’—is believed to be part of this wing and may have overseen financing.

Terror commanders have reportedly urged supporters to donate 20,000 Pakistani rupees (around Rs.6,400) to equip fighters with winter kits, including shoes, woollen socks, tents, and mattresses. They have also encouraged donors by claiming that those who assist a ‘mujahid’ will earn the status of

Prashant Kishor Says Bihar Verdict Has Left Him Sleepless

Prashant Kishor said the Jan Suraaj Party’s poor performance in the Bihar Assembly elections was a “huge shock” and admitted he has “not slept properly” since the results. In his first interview after the defeat, he said the party failed to win seats but succeeded in shifting Bihar’s political narrative from caste and religion to issues like employment and migration.

Kishor explained that Bihar’s voters fall into four groups: those driven by

Kishor said that while his party's attempts did not yield electoral success, they managed to take the political discourse in Bihar away from just caste and religion to employment and migration

caste, those driven by religion, those supporting the NDA out of fear of Lalu Yadav’s return, and those backing the opposition out of fear of the BJP. Jan Suraaj, he said, only managed to influence the first two categories. Despite the setback, Kishor vowed not to quit, recalling that “even the BJP once had only two MPs”. He said he has dedicated the next 10 years to improving Bihar and will continue his political efforts.

Pakistan-based terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed - linked to the Delhi Red Fort car bomb - is preparing a 'fidayeen', or suicide, squad to launch another attack against India and is raising funds for that purpose, intelligence sources told

a ‘jihadi’. The aim is to make money transfers to field operatives swift and untraceable, including to the 10-member “terror doctor” module responsible for the Red Fort attack. The November 10 blast killed fifteen people after a Hyundai i20 packed with explosives was detonated near the monument. The car was driven by Dr Umar Mohammad, who died in the explosion; a video released later showed him defending suicide bombings.

Eric Trump, the second son of US President Donald Trump, has intensified his criticism of New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, asserting that the mayor-elect "hates the Indian population." Trump made the remark during a conversation with Fox News commentator Sean Hannity, where he argued that major American cities are being reshaped by what he described as an aggressive far-left agenda. According to him, this ideological swing has left large corporations struggling under policies aligned with socialism.

US Plans Intensified Immigration Enforcement in New York City

The White House’s border adviser, Tom Homan, has indicated that large-scale immigration enforcement operations will soon begin in New York City. Speaking to Fox News, Homan said he will personally travel to the city as federal agencies prepare for a renewed crackdown. The remarks follow last month’s major federal action in Manhattan targeting street vendors. While New York has seen only scattered immigration arrests recently, sources suggest the administration is now planning coordinated raids. Speculation had already grown after Zohran Mamdani won the mayoral election, with many expecting the administration to send federal agents under the pretext of targeting criminal offenders.

Homan argued that New York’s status as a “sanctuary city” creates public safety

risks and confirmed that federal presence will be increased. Similar action has been underway elsewhere, including Operation Midway Blitz in Chicago and recent operations in Charlotte, North Carolina.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has also expressed concern that the city may soon be targeted and has begun preparing for the possible federal actions. Former President Trump previously said federal intervention would be required to restore law and order in New York.

Mayor-elect Mamdani, who assumes office in January, has initiated efforts to

meet Trump. However, the meeting date remains unconfirmed. His spokesperson said New York’s three million immigrants are “a source of strength” and assured that the incoming mayor remains committed to protecting their rights and dignity.

During Trump’s earlier term, large-scale ICE raids in New York sparked fear among undocumented communities, including many Gujaratis who avoided leaving their homes. With the administration now seeking to detain nearly 3,000 undocumented individuals daily, New York is expected to be a major enforcement target.

HiIndia Newsdesk

Tom Homan signals upcoming federal operations as political tensions rise ahead of Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s tenure

Charlotte Raids Spark Fear as 81 Arrested

The Trump administration’s latest immigration sweep in Charlotte, North Carolina, resulted in 81 arrests within 24 hours, triggering fear across the city’s Hispanic communities. After similar crackdowns in Los Angeles and Chicago, Border Patrol agents carried out widespread raids in Charlotte, leaving restaurants, stores, and churches nearly empty as residents stayed home. Officials said the operation was part of a broader national push, though they did not clarify how many arrested individuals had criminal records. Advocacy groups alleged that officers questioned even U.S. citizens of Hispanic origin and detained people heading to work and church. Businesses reported staff shortages as workers avoided public spaces. With Charlotte now added to the growing list of targeted cities, sources indicate New Orleans could be next in the administration’s ongoing enforcement drive.

Yunus ‘Wants Civil War’, Says Hasina Aide

The Awami League leader accused the interim government of having associations with Pakistanbased terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-eMohammad.

The Awami League condemned the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government after a Dhaka tribunal sentenced Sheikh Hasina and a close aide to death, calling the trial a “staged drama” in a “kangaroo court.” Party leader Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury alleged the verdict was pre-written, claiming Hasina was denied a fair defence and still enjoys public support. He accused the interim regime of illegally altering tribunal laws and warned it was driving Bangladesh toward civil war. He further insisted the proceedings lacked legitimacy and were designed to eliminate political opposition. Chowdhury said the people of Bangladesh would reject such tactics.

1st Pic Of "Active Co-Conspirator"

Of Delhi Suicide Bomber

The NIA has arrested Jasir Bilal Wani, an “active co-conspirator” in the Delhi blast near Red Fort that killed 15 people. Wani, a resident of Qazigund in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag, was arrested in Srinagar for providing technical expertise to suicide bomber Umar un Nabi, including modifying drones and attempting to make rockets to support planned terror attacks. According to the agency, Wani — also known as Danish — worked closely with Umar, who was driving the Hyundai i20 that exploded as a vehicle-borne IED near the Red Fort Metro Station. The NIA has launched extensive multi-state searches to trace everyone involved in the conspiracy. On Sunday, the agency also arrested another associate, Amir Rashid Ali, from Delhi. Ali, a resident of Pampore, is accused of helping Umar purchase the car later used in the blast. Investigators say Umar was linked to a “white-collar” terror module earlier busted in Faridabad, and efforts are ongoing to uncover the larger network behind the attack.

carrying out terror attacks by modifying drones and attempting to make rockets ahead of the deadly car bomb blast near Red Fort.

US Lawmaker Says India Ties Stand Apart From Pakistan

The United States views India as a “vital strategic partner” and not equivalent to Pakistan, said Congressman Ami Bera, who, along with Republican Joe Wilson, has introduced a bipartisan resolution reaffirming the importance of the IndiaUS relationship. The move comes amid tensions caused by high US tariffs on Indian goods and steep H-1B visa fees. Bera acknowledged these strains but said Washington’s long-term strategy of strengthening ties with New Delhi has

The US lawmaker slammed Trump's advisers, especially Peter Navarro, for giving 'bad advice' to the President against the Indian-American community.

remained consistent for three decades. Backed by nearly 30 co-signers from both parties, the resolution highlights cooperation in defence, technology, trade, counterterrorism, and education. Bera criticised some of President Trump’s advisers for offering “bad advice” on India policy but noted Trump now recognises America’s need for high-skilled foreign workers. He added that US engagement with Pakistan is nowhere comparable to India, stressing that India remains central to America’s strategic and economic priorities.

FBI Offers $20,000 to Find Amit Patel’s Killer

The FBI has increased the reward to $20,000 for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the 2021 murder of Amit Patel, a 45-year-old Gujarati gas-station owner in Columbus, Georgia. Patel was shot dead on December 6, 2021, while making a routine business deposit at a Synovus Bank on Buena Vista Road. According to police, two suspects arrived in a stolen Toyota Tacoma with missing license plates. One man exited the truck, attempted to grab Patel’s deposit bag, and shot him during the struggle. The suspects then fled

Gujarati gas-station owner was shot dead during a robbery in Columbus, Georgia in 2021; suspects still at large

in the same vehicle. Despite the bank being close to a police station, the killers managed to escape. Patel died at the scene, and authorities never revealed how much cash was stolen. His business partner later shared that the day of the murder was also the third birthday of Patel’s daughter, for whom he had planned celebrations. Surveillance images released in July 2025 showed the suspects’ vehicle, but not the shooter’s face, as he wore a mask. The getaway truck was later found burned in Phenix City, further complicating the investigation. Patel leaves behind his wife and young daughter, while the killers remain unidentified.

BJP’s Bengal Mission Gets New Playbook

A major step includes resolving differences among Bengal BJP leaders and maintaining discipline within the state unit

After its sweeping Bihar win, the BJP has begun shaping an aggressive strategy for the 2026 West Bengal election, aiming to breach Mamata Banerjee’s stronghold by deploying only its top leaders and relying on collective leadership backed by PM Modi’s work. The party has strengthened its organisation, forming booth committees in nearly 70,000 of Bengal’s 91,000 booths, and expects the ongoing voter list revision to curb past “scientific rigging”. Senior leaders Bhupendra Yadav, Biplab Deb, Amit Malviya and Sunil Bansal have been tasked with managing the campaign and resolving internal differences, while state leaders have been told to avoid rhetoric that plays into Trinamool’s narrative. The BJP plans to highlight women’s safety, corruption, unemployment, poor law and order, and alleged appeasement as key issues, contrasting Bengal’s schemes with those in BJP-ruled states. The party will focus its full strength on 120 winnable seats, aiming for a target of around 160 seats in the highstakes 2026 battle.

HiIndia Newsdesk

Jasir Bilal Wani is a resident of Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag

Jasir Bilal Wani allegedly provided technical support for

Trump Cuts Tariffs on Select Food Items

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order reducing tariffs on certain food imports, including tomatoes, bananas and coffee, aiming to ease rising grocery prices in the United States. The move contrasts with Trump’s earlier claims that tariffs had not caused price increases.

Economists say tariffs under the Trump administration sharply raised the cost of many essential grocery items. While some products are now exempt from the 10–50% reciprocal tariff list, several major imports still face high duties. Mexican tomatoes will continue to carry a 17% tariff imposed after a 30-year trade deal expired in mid-2025. Coffee from Brazil also remains under a 50% tariff, contributing to a 20% jump in prices over the past year.

Indian grocery items, including rice, are still affected by U.S. tariffs, offering no immediate price relief for Indian-Americans.

The tariff rollback comes amid growing political pressure as inflation and food costs hurt Trump’s approval ratings.

Woman Returned to US After Wrongful Deportation

A Guatemalan woman, Maribel Lopez, was deported by mistake despite having a pending asylum appeal, forcing the U.S. government to bring her back weeks later. Lopez was arrested during a factory raid in New York in September, even though she possessed valid work papers and documentation proving her asylum appeal was still active. Within just four days, ICE sent her to Guatemala, leaving her three U.S.-born children—one only two years old— without a parent.

Her family challenged the deportation in court, and in mid-November she was flown back to the United States. However, she remains in a detention center while her asylum case awaits resolution.

ICE admitted it deported her in error, though DHS claims she had a 2019 removal order under appeal.

US Crackdown on Parents Who Illegally Bring Children to America

Over 3,000 guardians arrested as Trump administration targets those seeking custody of unaccompanied minors.

The Trump administration has launched a major crackdown on parents and guardians who allegedly helped their children enter the United States illegally.

According to CNN, more than 3,000 people have been arrested nationwide as authorities intensify investigations into the custody of unaccompanied minors found at the border.

During Joe Biden’s tenure, thousands of minors under 21 crossed the U.S.–Mexico border alone. These children were taken into federal custody and later released to sponsors, relatives, or parents already living in the country. Many Indians also brought their children through this method. The enforcement

campaign gained public attention after the arrest of a Chicago woman, Diana Patricia, earlier this month. Patricia allegedly tried to hide in a childcare center where she worked as ICE agents approached. Her two sons, aged 16 and 17, had recently crossed the border alone and were placed in a shelter near Chicago. She had applied

Trump Open to Talks With NYC Mayor-Elect Mamdani

Trump May Limit Green Cards for Travel-Ban Nations

The Trump administration is preparing a major overhaul of the Biden-era immigration system by proposing a policy that would sharply restrict green cards and other immigration benefits for nationals of countries already on Trump’s travel-ban list, according to internal DHS documents reviewed by The New York Times. The draft guidance instructs USCIS officers to treat “country-specific factors” tied to the ban as automatic negatives when reviewing applications for green cards, asylum, parole and other discretionary benefits, though citizenship cases would be exempt. Critics say this marks an unprecedented move toward nationality-based decision-making that could effectively turn the travel ban into a long-term barrier for people who have lived legally in the US for years. The ban currently affects citizens of 12 countries—mostly in Africa and the Middle East—and partially restricts seven more, with DHS arguing these nations lack adequate security-data systems. Experts warn the policy could trigger widespread denials and legal challenges.

to take custody of them, but instead, federal agents arrested her on charges of smuggling her own children. She has since been released on bond, though her sons remain in federal care.

Officials told CNN that the administration is now focusing on easily traceable undocumented immigrants—those who sought custody of unaccompanied minors, as their information is already in government files. DHS confirmed the arrests as part of human-smuggling investigations. ICE has also launched a new program directing state and local police to conduct welfare checks on such children, beginning in Florida and soon expanding to other states.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday signalled that he may hold talks with New York City’s Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and said that they’ll “work something out,” in what could be the first sign of a truce between the the Republican president and Democratic leader who have cast each other as political foes, AP reported.

For several months, Trump criticised Mamdani and labelled him as “Communist” and said that New York would be ruined if the democratic socialist leader is elected. Trump had also threatened to deport Uganda born Mamdani, who became an American citizen through naturalisation and to cut federal funding of the city if Mamdani becomes the mayor.

National Guard Pulls Back After Court Setbacks

Hundreds of National Guard troops sent to Chicago and Portland began to withdraw Sunday, US media reported, after the deployment by President Donald Trump faced legal setbacks.

Trump, a Republican, ordered military forces from Texas and California to the two Democrat-run cities in early October as part of his crackdown on illegal migration. Local leaders slammed the move as authoritarian overreach. Anonymous US officials cited by the New York Times said the 200 troops sent to each city from out of state, who never deployed onto the streets due to court battles, were starting to pull out Sunday. About 300 troops from the home state Illinois National Guard will remain in Chicago, and 100 of the Oregon force in Portland.

HiIndia Newsdesk

Florida Detains 230 Undocumented Migrants in 10-Day Sweep

In a joint operation by ICE and Florida state law-enforcement agencies, 230 undocumented immigrants were arrested over a 10-day crackdown launched on October 25. The sweep, named Operation Criminal Return, focused on individuals considered threats to public safety, including registered offenders and people with criminal histories.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said the mission aimed to remove “dangerous criminal aliens,” adding that state and local police will continue such coordinated actions with federal authorities. Arrested individuals include migrants from Cuba, Venezuela and Ukraine, though ICE has not confirmed whether any Indians were detained. Some detainees were placed on ankle monitors.

Immigration advocacy groups, however, say the operation has created fear, claiming that even people appearing for hearings at the Miami immigration court were detained. A Mexican immigration lawyer alleged that “dozens” were arrested directly from courtrooms. ICE officials countered that many of those arrested already had deportation orders or violated probation terms.

Bhangra Lights Up Times Square in New York

The promo for Gurinder Chadha’s latest film, Christmas Karma, lit up the iconic video screens in Times Square ahead of its theatrical release. Adding to the excitement, dancers from Masala Bhangra Group Fitness brought their high-energy moves to the heart of New York City, accompanied by a live dhol player, creating a vibrant and unforgettable street-side celebration. Now playing in cinemas, Christmas Karma stars Kunal Nayyar, Eva Longoria, Billy Porter, and Boy George. The film’s hit soundtrack, featuring artists like Malkit Singh, Jassi Sidhu, Panjabi MC, and Nitin Sawhney, is also out now.

NDA Triumphs In Bihar, Tejashwi Slumps; PM Eyes Bengal

New Delhi:

The NDA has retained power in Bihar with a landslide win, crafted by its caste math and an unexpected wave of support for Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. It left the Opposition decimated, with Tejashwi Yadav's RJD getting less than half its 2020 seats. The ruling NDA has swept Bihar with 202 seats in the 243-member state assembly. The Opposition Mahagathbandhan could scrape up just 35 seats.

Maintaining that the massive win has taken Bihar by storm, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Some parties formed appeasement formula of 'MY', but this victory has cemented new 'MY' combination of Mahila and Youth".

"The Ganga flows from Bihar to Bengal... Bihar has paved the way for the BJP's victory in Bengal. Will remove Jungle Raaj from Bengal as well," he said.

In Bihar, the BJP won 89 seats, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's JDU 85, Union

H-1B Visa Fee Of $100,000

Crucial 'To Stop System Abuse': White House

Washington: The White House has defended the Trump administration’s controversial H-1B visa reforms, calling the new $100,000 application fee a “significant first step” to curb abuse of the programme. A spokesperson told IANS that President Donald Trump has “done more than any modern president” to tighten immigration rules and protect American workers.

White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers said the steep fee is intended to prevent companies from replacing Americans with low-paid foreign labour. She also highlighted “Project Firewall,” a new Labor Department initiative investigating firms suspected of misusing H-1B visas.

The defence comes amid rising

political debate. Despite Republican criticism, Trump told Fox News that the U.S. still needs specialised foreign talent. When host Laura Ingraham argued Americans are sufficient, Trump disagreed, saying certain skills cannot be filled by the unemployed workforce.

The controversy escalated after Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene renewed her proposal to ban H-1B visas in all sectors except medicine, claiming it would free up jobs and housing for Americans.

However, immigration expert Sarah Pierce warned the plan would severely damage the U.S. workforce and healthcare system, calling it “one of the most efficient ways to hurt Americans.”

The ruling NDA has swept Bihar with 202 seats in the 243-member state assembly. The Opposition Mahagathbandhan could scrape up just 35 seats

Minister Chirag Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) 19, Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi's Hindustani Awam Morcha five and Rajya Sabha MP Upendra Kushwaha's Rashtriya Lok Morcha four.Poll strategist Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party, considered the X factor in this election, has completely collapsed. The dark horse turned out to be Lok Sabha MP Asaduddin Owaisi's AIMIM, which won five seats, powered by Muslim votes from Seemanchal.

Rahul Gandhi Calls Bihar Polls “Unfair From Start”

In his first reaction after the party's embarrassing defeat, Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi has said the Bihar Assembly election was not fair from the beginning. Taking to X on Friday after it became clear that the Mahagathbandhan as a whole would not cross 40 seats while the NDA managed to win 202 in the 243-member Assembly, Gandhi said the result was surprising and the bigger fight is for "the protection of the Constitution and democracy".

California to Cancel 17,000 Truck Driver Licenses

California has begun revoking nearly 17,000 commercial truck-driver licenses issued to immigrants whose legal stay in the U.S. has expired — a move that will significantly impact undocumented workers, including many Indians who relied on trucking jobs to earn USD 10,000–12,000 a month.

For years, immigrants with EAD work permits living illegally in the U.S. could easily obtain commercial driving licenses in California. But under heavy federal pressure, the state is now withdrawing licenses issued to individuals without valid immigration status. The Trump administration had repeatedly accused California

Major crackdown to hit undocumented immigrants, including Indians

of endangering Americans by allowing “illegal aliens” to operate heavy vehicles. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy welcomed the crackdown, calling it proof that California’s previous licensing standards were flawed. He said this

is “only the beginning,” warning that federal pressure will continue until every undocumented driver is removed from operating semi-trucks and school buses. Governor Gavin Newsom’s office defended the move, stating that California law considers a license valid only as long as the holder has lawful presence. Recent fatal crashes involving undocumented Punjabi drivers in Florida, Ontario and California intensified scrutiny. New federal rules now restrict commercial licenses to holders of only three visa categories — H-2A, H-2B and E-2 — and limit validity to one year. Of the roughly 200,000 non-citizens currently licensed to drive trucks, only about 10,000 will remain eligible under the new system.

HiIndia Newsdesk

Zofeen Maqsood

FIR Against Ajaz Khan for

An FIR has been filed against Bigg Boss fame and actor Ajaz Khan over circulating fake news and objectionable content on social media. As confirmed by Rajesh Dandotiya, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Indore), Crime Branch, the actor was summoned to the station after the FIR was lodged.

"An FIR was filed against actor Ajaz Khan at the Crime Branch for sharing fake news and objectionable content on social media. After the FIR was filed, he was served a notice, and he came here to record his statement. His mobile phone has been seized in a case related to a two-month-old case. Many fake news stories were circulating on social media about the incident. Thirty-two accounts were blocked, and complaints were filed against 68 accounts," the Indore ADCP told

Rajamouli Faces Backlash Over God Remark

Filmmaker SS Rajamouli has come under fire for his controversial remark on atheism. On Saturday, November 15, the ace director attended the Globetrotter event at the Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad to unveil the first glimpse of his film Varanasi. The movie features Priyanka Chopra and Mahesh Babu in lead roles.

While addressing the crowd at the event, SS Rajamouli revealed that he does not believe in God. Some of his major works, like RRR and Baahubali, were heavily inspired by Hindu mythology.

SS Rajamouli said, "This is an emotional moment for me. I don't believe in God. My dad came and said Lord Hanuman is behind me and is guiding me. Is this how he takes care – thinking of this, I'm angry. My wife is also fond of Lord Hanuman. She behaves as if he were her friend and converses with him. I got angry at her as well."

Rajamouli’s Varanasi Gets Rs.1,300 Cr Budget

SS Rajamouli took the global audience by storm with the launch of his next directorial, Varanasi, starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj in lead roles. The first teaser has become the talk of the town, and there is a demand to know more about the film from cine-goers all across the board. And now, we have an exclusive scoop on the budget of the film. Very reliable sources close to the project have confirmed that Varanasi will be made on a historic budget of Rs. 1300 crores, excluding the amount kept aside for print and publicity. "Rs. 1300 crore is a rather small amount to bring the mammoth vision of SS Rajamouli to the spectacle. While films like A6 and Ramayana are being made on a budget of Rs. 1500 crores to 2000 crores, SS Rajamouli is set to make a bigger looking film than the two on a much lower budget," a trade source said. SS Rajamouli has craftily designed some of the most epic sequences and is shooting for them in a planned manner. "Rajamouli is one of the most well-organised directors of Indian Cinema.

Priyanka Chopra

on Born Hungry and Local Stories P

riyanka Chopra Jonas, who is gearing up for her return to Indian cinema as Mandakini in S.S. Rajamouli’s Varanasi, speaks with deep emotion about her upcoming documentary Born Hungry. The film follows chef Sash’s remarkable journey from a childhood spent surviving on a railway platform in India to becoming an awardwinning culinary talent in Canada. Chopra Jonas says she connected instantly with his story because of her own nomadic upbringing; with her parents serving in the military, she moved every two years and learned early on that “home” is defined by the presence of loved ones, not a place.

Motherhood has heightened her emotional response to Sash’s story. The image of a young child searching for food on a platform “moved me to bits,” she says, adding that she can’t imagine her own daughter having to grow up alone. What inspires her most is Sash’s resilience— his decision to build a life greater than the one he was born into and create a future that his own children can look up to with pride. She reveals that Sash hopes the film will help him find answers about his birth family, and she hopes its reach on JioHotstar will help reconnect him with missing chapters of his past. When it comes to producing, Chopra Jonas relies on instinct, favouring stories with global relevance, emotional urgency and strong craftsmanship. She has witnessed a significant shift in how Indian storytelling is viewed internationally and is encouraged by the growing presence of South Asian talent on global stages. Supporting filmmakers and amplifying meaningful narratives, she says, is now a key part of her mission.

Pankaj Tripathi’s Family Debuts with Lailaaj

Celebrated actor Pankaj Tripathi and his business manager wife, Mridula Tripathi, are all set to take a heartfelt leap into theatre production with their newly formed banner Roopkatha Rangmanch. Their first production, a musical comedy titled Lailaaj, will also mark the stage debut of their daughter Aashi Tripathi.

Written, directed, composed, and lyrically driven by Faiz Mohammed Khan, Lailaaj promises a refreshing blend of humour, music, and heartwarming storytelling. The musical will be staged on the 21st, 22nd, and 23rd of this month at Rangshila Theatre in Mumbai, giving audiences an exciting new theatrical experience.

For Pankaj Tripathi, whose journey began on the stage long before cinema embraced him, this maiden production holds a deeply personal significance. Theatre, he says, is his “first love,” and returning to it as a producer feels like life coming full circle.

Kejriwal Calls Maharani 4 a Mirror to Today’s Politics

Nearly ten days after the release of Maharani 4, former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has shared his thoughts on the latest season of Huma Qureshi’s popular political drama. Taking to his social media handle on Sunday, Kejriwal wrote, “It depicts the ugly reality of today’s politics. Kudos to the entire team for showing courage,” marking his first public response to the show’s new chapter. Kejriwal’s reaction quickly drew attention, prompting mixed responses from social media users. One viewer agreed with his observation, commenting, “All the episodes of all seasons throw light on Indian politics.” Another user took a lighter dig, writing, “We are back to the golden age of jobless Kejriwal reviewing shows and movies. We missed you sir!”

Fadnavis, Tiger Shroff Launch ‘MahaDeva’ Football Drive

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis presided over the signing of an MoU between the School Education & Sports Department of Maharashtra and the Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA), aimed at advancing the state’s Maha-Deva football initiative. Actor Tiger Shroff attended the event to show his support for the programme, which focuses on strengthening grassroots football across the state. The Maha-Deva initiative focused on upgrading sports infrastructure, improving training systems, and identifying young football talent in schools throughout Maharashtra. Tiger Shroff’s involvement added youth appeal and athletic credibility to the government-driven effort, which emphasised discipline, participation, and structured skill development.

Maharani 4 began streaming on SonyLIV on November 7, 2025, continuing the franchise’s exploration of power, ambition, and political complexity. The series stars Huma Qureshi as Rani Bharti, a character whose evolution—from a reluctant leader to a seasoned political figure—has been central to the show’s appeal.

This season follows Rani as she steps into national politics after a turbulent past marked by serious accusations, her resignation as Chief Minister of Bihar, and her daughter Roshni rising to the same office. Season four introduces new challenges, including a storyline tied to the Kohinoor Diamond, adding historical intrigue to the political drama.

Alongside the success of Maharani 4, Huma Qureshi is also receiving praise for her recent performance in Delhi Crime Season 3 on Netflix.

Restored Sholay Ending to Release on Dec 12, 2025

The makers of Sholay have officially announced the release date of the newly restored 4K version of the 1975 classic. The film, featuring director Ramesh Sippy’s originally intended ending, will arrive in theatres on December 12, 2025, marking the first time Indian audiences will see the climax exactly as it was envisioned five decades ago. The restored version of Sholay has been created by the Film Heritage Foundation in collaboration with Sippy Films. The team sourced a rare colour reversal print from London, located the original camera negatives, and even recovered long-lost deleted scenes from a warehouse in Mumbai. The result is a 4K restoration that returns the film to its original 70mm format. This announcement comes shortly after veteran actor Dharmendra, who headlined the iconic film alongside Amitabh Bachchan, was discharged from the hospital following a recent health scare.

‘120

Bahadur’ Makes Historic Defence-Theatre Debut

India’s exhibition landscape is witnessing a groundbreaking moment as Excel Entertainment and Trigger Happy Studios’ upcoming war epic 120 Bahadur becomes the first film in the country to release across defence theatres nationwide. This landmark initiative, enabled through PictureTime’s mobile cinema network, ensures that a film honouring unparalleled courage will directly reach the brave hearts it pays tribute to.

The Farhan Akhtar-starrer is set to screen exclusively for the defence community in more than 800 cinema halls across India when it opens globally on November 21. The rollout, executed by PictureTime in collaboration with GenSync Brat Media, marks a major leap in accessibility, bringing highquality cinematic experiences to soldiers and their families posted in remote and previously underserved regions.

‘Dhurandhar’

Set To Be Ranveer’s Longest Film Yet

All eyes are on Dhurandhar and hence, its trailer is highly awaited. It was all set to be launched on November 12, but due to the circumstances last week, it was pushed to Tuesday, November 18. As the world waits to ascertain if the trailer is as exciting as the teaser, Bollywood Hungama has learned that, going by the recent trends of several biggies, Dhurandhar has also turned out to be a lengthy film.

Rubina & Abhinav Shine At Colors’ Dhamaal

Colors’ Dhamaal With Pati Patni Aur Panga signed off its debut season with Rubina Dilaik and Abhinav Shukla emerging as the Sarvagun Sampann Jodi. The reality series, positioned as a light-hearted look into the dynamics of marriage, quickly became one of the channel’s standout nonfiction successes of the year, offering a mix of humour, emotional moments, and candid exchanges between celebrity couples.

Drunk Guest Sets Fire at Gujarati-Owned Motel in Michigan

A man has been arrested for deliberately setting fire inside a Gujarati-owned Super 8 motel in Crystal Lake, Michigan. The incident occurred on Monday around 4:50 pm, when the accused, identified as James Rover, intentionally ignited a fire despite knowing several guests were staying in the motel, according to the police complaint.

The fire was quickly brought under control thanks to motel manager and partner Sam Patel. Acting immediately, Patel used water to extinguish the flames, preventing what could have been a major tragedy. Local police and media praised his swift response.

Rover has been charged with a Class 10 felony. Police also found less than 15 grams of cocaine in his possession at the time of arrest. He appeared in court on Wednesday and is currently being held at the McHenry County Jail without legal representation.

Patel said he noticed the smell of something burning just as he was leaving the property and rushed back inside. The fire had been set on the bathroom floor of one of the rooms, triggering the alarm. Despite the accused claiming ignorance, evidence confirmed his involvement.

A guest staying at the motel described scenes of chaos as alarms rang and police arrived within minutes. Guests later praised Patel as a hero for risking his life to prevent a serious disaster.

BBC apologises to Trump over its misleading edit

The BBC apologised Thursday (November 13, 2025) to U.S. President Donald Trump over a misleading edit of his speech on Jan. 6, 2021 but said it had not defamed him, rejecting the basis for his $1 billion lawsuit threat.

The BBC said Chair Samir Shah sent a personal letter to the White House saying that he and the corporation were sorry for the edit of the speech Trump gave before some of his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol as Congress was poised to certify the results of President-elect Joe Biden's victory in the 2020 election.

NDA Sweeps, Opposition Slumps

New Delhi: The ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which includes Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's JDU, is headed for a landslide victory in Bihar assembly elections and is currently comfortably leading over the RJD-led opposition Mahagathbandhan.

Available leads show that the BJP-led NDA is currently leading in more than 190 seats, well above the majority mark of 122 seats, with the BJP ahead in 84, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's JDU in 76, Union Minister Chirag Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) in 23, Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi's Hindustani Awam Morcha in four, and Rajya Sabha MP Upendra Kushwaha's Rashtriya Lok Morcha in one.

The opposition, the Mahagathbandhan,

is currently ahead in 49 seats, with Tejashwi Yadav's RJD in 34, Congress in six, CPI(ML)(L) in six, and CPM in one. Poll strategist Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj, which was leading in four seats in early trends, has currently conceded its leads.

Lok Sabha MP Asaduddin Owaisi's AIMIM is currently ahead in two seats, while Tejashwi Yadav's estranged brother, Tej Pratap Yadav, who formed a new party -- Janshakti Janta Dal --

Bihar Assembly Election Results 2025: The ruling BJP-led NDA is currently ahead in more than 190 seats, while the opposition, the Mahagathbandhan, is leading in 49 seats.

before the elections, is trailing by more than 12,000 votes.

NDTV's traditional 'poll of exit polls' indicated that the NDA would pick up 146 of 243 seats, 24 over the majority mark. The Mahagathbandhan, which has RJD, Congress, and Left parties as the main constituents, is expected to get only 92 - a far cry from 110 in the last election. Jan Suraaj is likely to flop on its electoral debut, winning just one seat.

"Encouraging Progress": US Signals Trade Deal With India Likely Before Year-End

Washington has signalled that the long-delayed India-US trade agreement could finally see a breakthrough by the end of this year, with talks showing “a lot of positive developments,” according to a senior US official quoted by ANI. The latest round of discussions has reportedly gained momentum after the Trump administration softened its earlier confrontational approach regarding India’s Russian oil purchases. The official said the US is currently working with India on two parallel tracks — a reciprocal trade agreement and concerns linked to Russian oil imports. “We have a reciprocal trade negotiation, but we also have a Russian oil issue, where we’ve seen market improvement,” the official noted, adding that negotiations are advancing

The official noted that discussions may deliver results "before the end of the year", as the talks are advancing at an "encouraging" pace.

at an “encouraging” pace. While expressing optimism about concluding talks within the year, the official cautioned that considerable

work remains. “There’s still a lot to do, but there’s a lot of positive progress,” he said.

The reciprocal trade discussions aim to reduce longstanding irritants between the two countries, including tariffs on US agricultural and industrial goods, India’s push for restored trade preferences, and greater access for Indian service professionals.

The second issue involves India’s imports of Russian oil — a sticking point in bilateral relations. Washington has been pressing New Delhi to scale back purchases, while India maintains that its energy strategy is driven by national interest and consumer welfare. Bilateral trade between India and the US stood at around USD 190 billion in 2024, with both nations seeking to expand economic ties significantly.

Three Gujaratis Pulled Back From Last-Minute Deportation

New details have emerged about a US deportation flight that landed in Delhi on November 6, carrying citizens from India, Laos and Vietnam. According to information shared with IamGujarat, the flight took off from El Paso, Texas, on November 4 with around 400 seats and nearly 150 Indians onboard, including about 25 Gujaratis.

A returning Indian passenger revealed that three Gujaratis—along with 64-year-old Subramanyam Vedam, whose deportation was halted by a US court—were brought in shackles up to the aircraft stairs but were taken back at the last moment. Sources believe their deportation may also have been stopped due to pending legal orders. The passenger further claimed that five people were removed after being

Passengers say five people were taken to aircraft stairs but pulled back; several had lived illegally in the US for years

brought to the plane, and the three Gujaratis who avoided deportation are likely from North Gujarat. All three had

been arrested within the US, though details of their cases remain unclear.

The flight, which halted in Washington, D.C., and Romania before landing in Delhi, removed restraints from Indian passengers about 30 minutes before landing. Deportees had been gathered from various state prisons and held in El Paso for several days before the journey.

Three more Gujaratis were later flown from New York to Delhi on a commercial flight on November 9, including one arrested in Pennsylvania for selling marijuana.

Thousands of Indians, including many Gujaratis, remain in US jails. Reports suggest ICE detention numbers have crossed 66,000, and many detainees are paying large sums to lawyers in hopes of avoiding deportation.

HiIndia Newsdesk

National Retail Solutions (NRS) Launches Grubhub Integration

NEWARK, N.J. — National Retail Solutions (NRS) announced that independent retailers in its nationwide point-of-sale (POS) network can now offer their customers remote ordering for delivery or in-store pickup directly through the Grubhub app.

“We are tremendously excited to announce our integration with Grubhub,” said Elie Y. Katz, President and CEO of NRS. “This partnership empowers our NRS retailers— predominantly neighborhood convenience stores and bodegas—to compete effectively and efficiently in the rapidly expanding digital marketplace.”

For NRS retailers, key advantages and features of the Grubhub integration include:

Streamlined operations: Grubhub orders flow directly into the NRS POS system, eliminating counter clutter and simplifying workflows.

Real-time menu and inventory syncing: Price and inventory updates made in the NRS POS are automatically

reflected on the retailer’s Grubhub menu, ensuring accurate orders and preventing out-of-stock ancellations.

Reduced training requirements: Orders are received and processed through the familiar NRS POS interface, minimizing errors and training time.

Centralized management: Retailers can manage Grubhub menus, store hours, and performance data directly from

TD Bank to Close 50+ Branches Across New Jersey

NEW JERSEY - TD Bank, one of the largest financial institutions in the United States, has announced it will close dozens of locations along the East Coast.

In total, the bank plans to shutter 51 branches across 12 states and Washington, D.C., including eight locations in New Jersey, which will close by Jan. 29, 2026.

This marks the second round of TD Bank closures announced in 2025 and follows the bank’s October 2024 guilty plea in a federal money-laundering case. TD agreed to pay a $3 billion fine, becoming the first national bank to plead guilty in such a case. Federal officials said failures in the bank’s anti-money-laundering program “allowed criminal proceeds to flow” to Colombian drug cartels for more than a decade. More details on the case can be found online.

Branches Closing in January 2026

• According to Fast Company, the following New Jersey branches are scheduled to close:

• 385 White Horse Pike, Atco

• 177 •Columbia Turnpike, Florham Park

• 571 East Bay Avenue, Manahawkin

• 232 Richmond Avenue, Point Pleasant

• 418 Belmont Avenue, Haledon

230 Forsgate Drive, Jamesburg

• 1100 Lake Street, Ramsey

• 4057 Asbury Avenue, Tinton Falls

“At Investor Day last month, TD shared

plans to deliver a stronger, more scalable U.S. retail presence through significant store enhancements, techforward digital banking capabilities, and personalized, advice-led services,” Fast Company reported.

First Round of Closures Earlier in 2025

The following New Jersey branches were closed during the first round:

• 85–107 Pompton Avenue, Cedar Grove

• 191 E Route 70, Marlton

• 145 Skyline Drive, Ringwood

• One Royal Rd, Raritan

• 555 Warren Avenue, Spring Lake Heights

In a statement to Patch in March, the bank said:

“As part of our normal business practices, we regularly evaluate existing TD Bank stores, which may result in some closures, consolidations, or relocations as we look for opportunities to better align our network with customer needs and preferences.”

TD Bank currently operates more than 260 branches and ATMs across New Jersey.

their NRS POS dashboard. Actionable analytics: Centralized analytics provide insights into both in-store and delivery sales performance.

“Local businesses are essential to the fabric of their communities, and this integration is about helping them thrive in a digital-first world,” said Stephanie Grammel, Director of Integrations & Solutions at Grubhub. “By embedding

Integration brings seamless digital ordering and delivery capabilities to NRS convenience stores, bodegas, and neighborhood retailers nationwide

Grubhub directly into the NRS point-of-sale system, we’re making it easier for independent retailers to expand their reach, serve customers on their terms, and unlock new revenue streams—without adding operational complexity.” “We’re removing the friction points that make it harder for small businesses to compete successfully in the delivery marketplace,” added Ari B. Korman, SVP of Ecommerce at NRS. “Based on our results so far, retailers with the Grubhub integration are achieving meaningful increases in profitability and impressive returns on investment.” NRS retailers interested in activating the Grubhub integration can contact their NRS representative or visit nrsplus.com

Holiday Shopping Alert: CBP Urges Consumers to Avoid Fake Merchandise

WASHINGTON, DC - As holiday shopping begins, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) urges Americans to avoid counterfeit products that can harm consumers, families, businesses, and the U.S. economy.

“Buying cheap, inauthentic goods is not victimless,” said Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner Diane J. Sabatino. “Counterfeits may contain toxic materials and can even fund criminal activity.”

Counterfeit sales are a major transnational crime. Fake medications, cosmetics, toys, electronics, auto parts, and luxury goods—often sold online— pose serious safety risks and hurt legitimate U.S. businesses. In FY 2025, CBP seized nearly 79 million counterfeit items valued at over $7.3 billion (MSRP), including clothing, electronics, toys,

and medications.

“It’s illegal to import counterfeit or pirated merchandise, and consumers may face penalties even if purchased by mistake,” said Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner Susan S. Thomas. “Use caution and don’t be fooled.”

How consumers can protect themselves:

• If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

• Buy from reputable sellers and research products, photos, reviews, and seller details.

• Avoid suspicious websites with typos, no contact info, or no refund policy.

• Use secure sites (https://) and keep devices updated.

• Inspect packaging for missing seals, odd labeling, or damaged items.

• Spread awareness and report counterfeit goods to CBP’s Trade Violations portal or the National IPR Center.

HiIndia Newsdesk

Republican Shutdown Pushes Illinois Into Crisis: The Damage Is Already Done

CHICAGO , IL— The 43-day government shutdown has finally come to an end — the longest and most expensive shutdown in U.S. history.

This Republican-led shutdown was a direct assault on the livelihood of every American, including every Illinoisan. Engineered entirely by the Trump administration and prolonged by incompetent Republican leadership in Congress, the shutdown ignored the urgent pleas of their own constituents.

“Republicans canceled your flights, ripped away your SNAP benefits, and withheld your paychecks. Now they’re going to skyrocket your healthcare costs and kick millions off their coverage — all to fund their trilliondollar tax cut giveaway to the ultrawealthy,” said Governor JB Pritzker.

“While Trump and his puppets in Congress take their victory lap, I will keep fighting for all the Illinoisans who are furious; who just watched the President steal money right out of their pockets and hand it directly to his rich buddies.”

The Aftermath

This shutdown deal is nothing more

than an empty promise that sells out the American people. By refusing to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies, Republicans have guaranteed higher healthcare costs for working families and made essential coverage unaffordable for millions.

The Republican-led shutdown also forced air traffic controllers to work without pay. As a result, 4,500 flights were canceled and 18,774 were delayed nationwide over the weekend, according to Flight Aware. Both Midway and O’Hare airports were affected. When Republicans play politics with our airspace, they put every American at risk.

Donald Trump has repeatedly shown he does not care about working families. His priorities are unmistakable — he gave tax cuts to the wealthy and chose to let people go hungry. His administration denied nearly 2 million Illinoisans their full SNAP benefits.

Gov. Pritzker Takes Action

Despite these attacks by Trump and his allies, Governor Pritzker ensured Illinois continued to move forward throughout the Republican-led shutdown:

• Directed $20 million to food banks:

Gov. Pritzker signed Executive Order

Los Angeles Welcomes Its FirstEver Consul General of India

CERRITOS, CA – The Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts

was filled to capacity on October 19 as the local community gathered to welcome Dr. K. J. Srinivasa, the first Consul General of the newly established Consulate of India in Los Angeles. He was accompanied by Consul Kulwant Singh and Vice Consul Priyanka Tyagi.

Organized by the United Indian Associations of Southern California (UIASC) with support from several organizations across the greater Los Angeles area, the event drew a large audience despite taking place just one day before Diwali. The evening opened with a traditional Ganesh Vandana, followed by vibrant music and dance performances by local artists. Dr. Srinivasa inaugurated the program with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and oversaw the rendition of the national anthems of the United States and India. Ashok (Pat) Patnaik welcomed the gathering and introduced the evening’s speakers.

A number of community leaders and organization heads addressed the audience. Anju Garg reflected on the Consulate’s journey from “vision to manifestation,” while Sudip Gorakshekar underscored the importance of strengthening Indo-US relations. Mallik Banda welcomed Dr. Srinivasa as marking a new chapter for India’s diplomatic presence in Los Angeles, and Ashok Madan spoke of the community’s long-held aspiration to establish a consulate in the region. Venkat Peddi and Kanak Singh Zala

highlighted the new opportunities and avenues the Consulate is poised to open.

Dr. Sukrit Mukerjee, UIASC Vice President and Convener, shared the organization’s history and its vision for partnership with the Consulate. Business leader Dr. Kali Pradip Chaudhuri emphasized patriotic unity and encouraged the community to work together in support of the motherland. UIASC President Kewal Kanda formally introduced Dr. Srinivasa, noting his previous service as Deputy Consul General in San Francisco.

In his remarks, Dr. Srinivasa praised the Indian diaspora for their role in making the Los Angeles Consulate a reality. Extending Diwali greetings, he expressed his joy in reconnecting with community members he had collaborated with during Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. He outlined several key priorities, including efforts toward establishing a non-stop flight linking Los Angeles with major Indian cities, the future of cricket in the Olympics, and enhanced bilateral business and collaborative opportunities. He also announced that the Consulate is expected to become fully operational by December at its new location in the downtown Los Angeles AON building.

The evening concluded with a meet-and-greet, where consulate officials warmly interacted with attendees and posed for photographs. Guests then enjoyed a festive dinner catered by Artesia’s Ashoka the Great..

Donald Trump and his Republican puppets left Illinoisans hungry, unpaid, and stranded

2025-08 on October 30, allocating $20 million to support food banks during this period of reduced federal funding.

• Sued the Trump administration to protect SNAP benefits:

Illinois joined 24 other states and Washington, D.C. in a lawsuit pushing the administration to use contingency reserve funds to continue SNAP benefits during the shutdown.

• Worked to expand access to affordable groceries:

The Governor’s Grocery Initiative continued its mission during the shutdown, funding new stores and combating food deserts across the state. Governor Pritzker remains focused on helping Illinois families recover from this Republican-led disaster. His administration will continue doing what Washington refuses to do: protect access to affordable food, healthcare, and stable jobs.

Charlotte Crackdown: 81 Arrested

CHARLOTTE, NC -U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) agents arrested 81 individuals in Charlotte on the first day of an immigration enforcement initiative known as “Charlotte’s Web.”

According to reports, Gregory K. Bovino, the commander leading the operation, stated on X that those taken into custody on Saturday had “significant criminal and immigration history.”

Charlotte is the first city where CBP has announced it will lead an immigration enforcement effort independently, without coordination from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Although ICE has previously carried out arrests in Charlotte, the agency did not collaborate with CBP on this operation.

CBP has not released detailed information regarding the specific scope, tactics, or expected duration of the operation in the Charlotte area.

HiIndia Newsdesk

Bruhud New York Seniors Hosts Grand Diwali Celebration in Queens

QUEENS, NY - Bruhud New York Seniors, a prominent non-profit socio-cultural organization serving the Greater New York City area since 2009, celebrated its annual Diwali event with grandeur and community spirit at the Hindu Community Center in Queens. The festive evening drew a full house of more than 700 attendees from across the tri-state area, marking one of the organization’s most successful celebrations to date.

The evening commenced with a sumptuous dinner, offering guests an opportunity to mingle, reconnect, and celebrate the spirit of Diwali together. The atmosphere was filled with joy, laughter, and the aroma of traditional Indian cuisine as members and guests shared stories of togetherness and service.

The event was graced by several distinguished dignitaries, including Chief Guest Consul General of India, Mr. Binaya S. Pradhan, and Deputy Consul General Mr. Vishal J. Hersh. The program was presided over by Mr. Prem Bhandari, Chairman of Jaipur Foot USA, whose humanitarian work continues to inspire the Indian diaspora.

In his address, Mr. Ajay S. Patel, President of Bruhud New York Seniors, reflected on the organization’s ongoing humanitarian and community outreach efforts. He proudly shared the success of the Free Artificial Limb Fitment Mega Camp held in Mahudi,

Amiwala Pushes Ice Ban Ordinance

HiIndia Newsdesk

SKOKIE, IL. — Bushra Amiwala, candidate for Congress in Illinois’ 9th district, urged the Morton Grove Village Board to pass an anti-ICE ordinance at a rally on Wednesday evening.

The goal: to prohibit village resources from assisting immigration enforcement operations in any way.

Before the board convened, Amiwala rallied protesters in front of Village Hall to reject unconstitutional immigration raids on Morton Grove streets.

“I feel your frustration. I feel your anger. And I understand that protesting against inhumane immigration policies can feel futile. Sometimes, it can seem like our objections to this invasion are just a drop in the bucket,” Skokie school board member Amiwala said to the rally goers. “But they’re not. When you take seemingly small actions like giving out ICE whistles, sharing ICIRR hotline resources and telling your local authorities to do more, it matters. It does make a difference.”

Gujarat, in January 2025 — a project announced during last year’s Diwali celebration. The initiative benefited more than 500 individuals by providing free prosthetic limbs, hearing aids, wheelchairs, tricycles, and calipers, in collaboration with Jaipur Foot and its supporting partners. “Service to humanity is the true celebration of Diwali,” Mr. Patel said, receiving a standing ovation from the audience.

Consul General Binaya S. Pradhan lauded the community’s unity and philanthropic spirit. He announced the establishment of new Indian Community Centers in Edison, NJ, Columbus, OH, and Boston, MA, to strengthen engagement with the Indian diaspora. He also highlighted a vital new service — a free repatriation assistance program for the remains of Indian passport holders, launched in partnership with Team Aid and the Consulate General of India, New York.

Presiding guest Mr. Prem Bhandari drew attention to India’s remarkable global progress, referencing the nation’s recent commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India. He commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, noting India’s economic rise from the world’s 10th-largest economy in 2014 to the 4th-largest today. His remarks received warm applause from the audience, many of whom proudly

echoed sentiments of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.”

The celebration also recognized three outstanding community leaders for their exemplary service and professional achievements:

• Mr. Ashok Sancheti, President, Pioneer Gems LLC

• Captain Pratima B. Maldonado, the first South Asian female Captain in the NYPD

• Mr. Atit J. Thakore, of the Patel Brothers Group

Each honoree was presented with a plaque of appreciation, acknowledging their dedication, leadership, and impact within the Indian-American community.

The cultural program, curated by the Swar Sarita orchestra, featured an energetic performance by Indian Idol sensation Khuda Baksh, who captivated the audience with a mix of Bollywood classics and festive favorites. The lively performances had guests dancing and singing along well past 11 p.m., creating a truly unforgettable night.

As the evening drew to a close, every attendee received a parting gift — a thoughtful gesture symbolizing gratitude, goodwill, and the enduring spirit of Diwali.

The Bruhud New York Seniors’ Diwali celebration once again underscored the power of community, culture, and compassion, setting a shining example of how Indian traditions continue to thrive and unite hearts across generations in America.

Indian American Philanthropists Lead Global Movement for Blind Children’s Empowerment

CHICAGO, IL – Indian Americans are bridging continents and transforming lives in rural India through the Ek Kadam Aur Foundation (EKA), a nonprofit organization registered in both the United States and India.

EKA’s flagship initiative, “Arunodaya,” meaning Sunrise in Sanskrit, seeks to empower more than 288,000 blind children in India, ensuring that visual impairment does not define their future.

Founded by Dr. Satish Tripathi, based in the Chicago area, EKA combines personal engagement with innovative technology to create lasting impact.

The Arunodaya program provides individualized, home-based learning for children aged five to seventeen, often reaching remote villages with little or no access to specialized education. Mentors—many of whom are visually impaired themselves—visit children

six days a week, using smartphones, keyboards, and screen readers to teach skills such as object recognition, basic English, mathematics, and independent mobility. As children progress, they are prepared to transition into local mainstream schools.

Pradeep K. Agrawal, Professor Emeritus at the Georgia Institute of Technology and a member of EKA’s board, emphasizes the foundation’s 360-degree

approach. Beyond academics, the program assists families in securing government disability IDs and social welfare benefits, trains school staff to foster inclusive classrooms, and encourages peers to cultivate empathy and cooperation.

The impact has been profound. One mother shared:

“We had lost hope. But when the mentor started coming to our home, and my son began reading and speaking using the phone… it was like seeing sunrise after years of darkness.”

Since its inception in 2015, EKA has trained over 740 children across eight Indian states, including Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh. One hundred eighty-eight students have graduated from Phase 2 and continue their education in mainstream and specialized schools.

HiIndia Newsdesk

Texas Teen Sentenced to 65 Years for Crash That Killed Indian-American Family of Six

DALLAS, TX – “Justice for Rushil. Justice for Naveena. Justice for Nageswararao. Justice for Sitamahalakshmi. Justice for Krithik. Justice for Nishidha. Justice for Lokesh — and justice for this community.”

With those powerful words, prosecutor Stephanie Miller concluded her closing argument as a Texas judge sentenced 19-year-old Luke Garrett Resecker to 65 years in prison for the horrific 2023 crash that claimed the lives of six members of an Indian American family. Resecker, who was 17 at the time of the crash, was under the influence of THC when his pickup truck crossed into oncoming traffic on U.S. Highway 67 near Cleburne, Texas, on December 26, 2023. His vehicle slammed head-on into a Honda Odyssey minivan, shattering multiple lives in an instant.

The Victims

The victims were identified as Rushil Barri, 28, of Irving, Texas, and five relatives visiting from Georgia, who had spent the day enjoying a family

of Public Safety)

outing at the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center.

All but one of the seven passengers in the van were killed instantly. The deceased were:

• Naveena Potabathula, 36

• Nageswararao Ponnada, 64

• Sitamahalakshmi Ponnada, 60

• Krithik Potabathula, 10

• Nishidha Potabathula, 9

The only survivor, Lokesh Potabathula, lost his wife, two children, cousin, and in-laws in the crash. He was left paralyzed from the waist down, facing a lifetime of physical and emotional recovery. Prosecutors described his testimony as “heartbreaking,” a

reflection of a man who lost nearly everything because of one reckless act.

The Evidence

Investigators later found THC wax, a vape pen, and marijuana inside Resecker’s truck. Toxicology reports confirmed active THC in his system at the time of the crash. His passenger, 17-year-old Preston Glass, also sustained a traumatic brain injury, leaving him permanently impaired.

The Trial and Sentencing

During the trial in Johnson County, prosecutors Stephanie Miller and Connor Day emphasized that the

tragedy was “entirely preventable.”

They argued that Resecker made a series of deliberate, reckless choices that culminated in devastating loss.

“This case,” Miller said, “is not just about one night—it’s about the irreversible consequences of impaired and reckless driving. Six lives were taken, one was forever changed, and a community was left grieving.”

After days of emotional testimony and graphic evidence, the court delivered its verdict: 65 years in prison for Resecker, ensuring he will spend most of his life behind bars.

A Community Mourns

The sentencing brought a measure of justice to the grieving Indian American community in Texas and beyond. Vigils were held in both Irving, Texas, and Johns Creek, Georgia, where the victims’ relatives and friends gathered to honor their memory and call for greater awareness around drug-impaired driving.

As one mourner said outside the courthouse, “We cannot bring them back, but we can make sure no other family goes through this pain again.”

Beyond Medicine: St. Jude Imagine Academy Nurtures

Every

Child’s

Learning Journey

For 25 years, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has advanced how the world understands, treats, and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases—while caring for the whole child academically, emotionally, and socially. Through the St. Jude Imagine Academy by Chili’s, young patients continue their education during treatment, ensuring learning remains part of their healing journey. Families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing, or food, allowing them to focus entirely on their child’s recovery. Accredited by Cognia as a Special Purpose School, Imagine Academy provides personalized instruction and advocacy rather than diplomas or credits, keeping students enrolled in their community schools. Every new patient receives an educational consultation to assess their needs and determine individualized support.

Led by Alli Leslie, the Academy’s 23 full-time staff and a large volunteer network serve up to 150 students daily. Instruction is offered multiple times a week for preschool through grade 12, complemented by a school coordination team that works with local schools to ensure proper accommodations.

“Our goal is to empower students to advocate for themselves,” said Leslie. Former students often return to visit, reflecting the program’s deep impact. As teacher Kaci Richardson shared, “Our small class sizes let us form lasting connections.”

Graduations at Imagine Academy symbolize triumphs once thought impossible. Many alumni pursue college, careers, or vocational programs—proof that education, even amid illness, can fuel hope, healing, and a healthy future.

Teamsters Local 705 Endorses Raja Krishnamoorthi for U.S. Senate

SCHAUMBURG, IL — Teamsters Local 705 today announced its endorsement of Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi for the United States Senate, joining a growing coalition of unions and labor leaders backing his campaign. Krishnamoorthi remains the only candidate in the Democratic primary with union endorsements, underscoring his record as the undeniable labor candidate in the race.

“As the principal officer representing more than 17,000 workers who make up Local 705, I know that we need a true fighter in Illinois,” said Juan Campos, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 705. “I am proud to endorse Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi’s campaign to be Illinois’ next U.S. Senator on behalf of Teamsters Local 705, because his support for organized labor and working families is unparalleled. I look forward to working closely with Raja to strengthen unions, lift up the needs of working people, and fight for all Illinoisans.”

Headquartered in Chicago, Teamsters Local 705 proudly represents approximately 17,000 members across the Chicagoland area. Under the leadership of Juan Campos, one of the nation’s most prominent Latino labor leaders, Local 705 represents workers in UPS, Freight, Cartage, Warehousing, Public Works, Rail Yards, Movers, and numerous other industries across the Midwest.

“The Teamsters embody everything that makes Illinois great — hard work, solidarity, and an

unshakable commitment to lifting up working families and the communities we call home,” said Raja Krishnamoorthi.

“I’m honored to have the endorsement of Teamsters Local 705 and Juan Campos, whose leadership sets the standard for labor across the nation. Since my first day in office, I’ve fought tooth and nail for workers, and I look forward to continuing to stand shoulder to shoulder with Local 705 to secure fair wages, strong benefits, and safe working conditions for every Illinois worker.”

With this endorsement, Krishnamoorthi continues to stand alone as the only laborendorsed candidate in the U.S. Senate primary. Other labor unions and leaders supporting Raja include Local 881 UFCW, Illinois Federation of Teachers Local 1211, Illinois Letter Carriers Association President Luis Rivas, National Association of Letter Carriers branches 825, 31, 2810, 4016, and 2076, and Elevator Constructors Local 2. Like Juan Campos and Local 705, these organizations recognize Raja as the champion working people need in Washington.

Earlier this week, Raja for Illinois launched its latest TV ad, “Toughest Fighter,” featuring Local 881 UFCW President Steve Powell, who recounts Raja’s partnership in their successful fight to halt a proposed grocery mega-merger — calling him “the toughest fighter for working people I know.”

HiIndia Newsdesk

Young family that was killed | 19-year-old Luke Garrett Resecker sentenced (Photo credit: TX Department

Trump Works to Limit Scandal Impact as Congress Takes Up Epstein Files Bill

WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Rep. Thomas Massie (RKY), who have spent weeks pressuring the Justice Department to release its remaining Jeffrey Epstein–related records, are now preparing to make their effort public. According to The Hill, the two lawmakers—joined by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA)—will headline a press conference on Capitol Hill the morning of November 17, appearing alongside survivors of Epstein’s abuse. Khanna and Massie crossed party lines to organize a discharge petition requiring the House to vote on releasing any Epstein documents still held by the Justice Department. The petition reached the critical 218-signature threshold last week, ensuring it will receive a floor vote. Both lawmakers had anticipated strong Republican backing, with Massie predicting “a deluge of Republicans,” potentially more than a hundred, would ultimately support the bill.

President Donald Trump, reacting to anger within his MAGA base and growing turmoil in Congress, abruptly

Political analysts note that Trump’s sudden directive encouraging GOP members to vote for the files’ release likely reflects an effort to get ahead of an inevitable vote—allowing him to later claim he was always open to transparency and still holds sway over the party.

reversed course after months of resistance. He announced that the Epstein files would be released “if Congress wants it.”

Prior reporting indicated that Trump

Chicago Indo-US Lions Club Boosts Community Support

WHEELING, IL – The Chicago IndoUS Lions Club recently partnered with local organizations and student leaders to support families, seniors, and students across Illinois through a series of coordinated food and hygiene-kit donation drives.

On November 11, 2025, the Chicago Indo-US Lions Club expanded its community outreach by donating healthy hygiene kits to young women at Lake Park High Schools in Illinois. This effort was inspired by environmentally focused student leaders—such as Sunny Trivedi, Ian Witt, Kaden Garcia, Syesha Sakhuja, Siyara Sakhuja, and their friends—who recommended that a donation be made to benefit their school community. In response to their thoughtful request, the Lions Club proudly stepped forward to help

promote the well-being and dignity of Lake Park students.

Just days later, on November 14, 2025, the Chicago Indo-US Lions Club joined hands with Seva Illinois and the Swaminarayan Temple in Wheeling to donate essential food and hygiene kits to the Wheeling Food Pantry. This collaboration provided meaningful support to local seniors and families, helping ensure continued access to nutritious food and necessary household supplies. Through these initiatives, the Chicago Indo-US Lions Club and its community partners reaffirm their shared commitment to service, collaboration, and uplifting the community. Together, they proudly serve Illinois residents with dedication, compassion, and an enduring vision of care for those in need.

had sought to block the files’ release, including directing the DOJ to target Democrats. His attempts to stall have even created divisions among his closest

allies.

In an NBC interview prior to Trump’s announcement, Khanna emphasized that he “never said that these files will implicate Donald Trump,” adding, “I really don’t think that they will.”

The upcoming vote follows the recent release of tens of thousands of emails from the Epstein estate by the House Oversight Committee, revealing Epstein’s extensive network of political, media, and celebrity contacts—including references to Trump, Bill Clinton, and others. Khanna and Massie’s bill is scheduled to reach the House floor on November 17. Should it pass, the Senate would be required to take it up next, and Massie has urged Senate Majority Leader John Thune to “do the right thing” and schedule a vote.

Illinois GOP Ignores NoemLinked Firm’s TaxpayerFunded Payouts

CHICAGO, IL — An explosive ProPublica investigation has revealed that an ad firm owned by a personal friend of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem was quietly funneled a share of $220 million in taxpayer-funded contracts— circumventing traditional oversight— in order to film Secretary Noem gallivanting around Mount Rushmore on horseback during a government shutdown.

According to the report, Noem’s DHS invoked a non-existent “national emergency” to bypass the competitive bidding process and steer tens of millions of dollars in ad-campaign contracts to a firm owned by the husband of Noem’s own spokesperson.

“This is brazen corruption, plain and simple,” said Governor JB Pritzker.

“After months of deploying ICE agents to terrorize communities in Illinois, Kristi Noem emerges on horseback in a taxpayer-funded vanity campaign designed to enrich her friends. If the

Illinois GOP wants to talk about ethics and fiscal responsibility, they can start by calling this what it is: a self-serving giveaway to Republican operatives in her inner circle.”

Illinois GOP Refuses to Call Out Corruption

The Illinois GOP showed endless outrage when they were pointing fingers over the Republican-led shutdown. But now, as Kristi Noem funnels taxpayer dollars to her friend for a self-promotional political ad campaign, suddenly the Illinois GOP has nothing to say. For a party that claims to hate waste, fraud, and abuse, they sure go quiet when the corruption comes from inside the house.

While nearly a quarter of American households live paycheck-to-paycheck, the Trump administration has turned corruption into a governing strategy. Noem’s self-dealing is just the latest example. Governor JB Pritzker remains committed to calling out these abuses and defending Illinois taxpayers from politicians who put themselves before the people they serve.

HiIndia Newsdesk

The World's Most Expensive Rice

Is Grown In Japan And Costs Rs 12,500 A Kg

The Japanese Kinmemai Premium grains are pre-washed in an advanced milling process that removes starch as well as bran. It does not require washing before cooking. One would say that many rice varieties are grown across countries, under special temperature and geographical settings. What makes this one the world's most expensive? Well, every grain of Japanese Kinmemai Premium is hand-picked for its superior vital energy and blending compatibility. The grains used to produce this rice variety are Pikamaru and Koshihikari, some of the best ones in the world. The producers of the Japanese Kinmemai Premium rice buy these at almost eight times the actual cost of the grains. They are later matured via a unique ageing process that improves their vitality, texture, and flavour. This variety goes through the process of rice buffing, which is one of the best grain polishing techniques. It removes the wax layer, which is indigestible, around the husk. Hence, the nutty notes and nutritional value remain intact.

Aries

Tabu Stuns in Abu Jani–Sandeep Khosla’s Regal Look

Tabu played muse to Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla, where the famous designer duo showcased their latest collection, A Thousand & One Nights. It conveyed the themes of “courage, resilience, creativity, celebration, and an unabashed love for life.”

A Thousand And One Nights is a collection of Middle Eastern folktales written in the Arabic language during the Islamic Golden Age. It was later converted into English, and the edition was titled The Arabian Nights

Tabu sashayed down the ramp in an all-black ensemble that had grace and power written all over it. She wore a not-so-fitted cowl-neck tunic that plunged in length, forming subtle ruffles. The show-stealer, however, was the black longsleeved architectural coat featuring padded shoulders and full sleeves. Intricate silver handembroidery dominated the collars and spread across the shoulders, creating scintillating silver crystals. Similar adornments were seen on the cuffs, sparkling brightly like a thousand glittering stars.

Author Bio:

Chirag Daruwalla is the best celebrity astrologer who is one of the most famous names in the astrology world. Chirag Daruwalla has more than 18+ years of experience. You can ask for any advice related to career, health, finance, business, money, and love marriage. He has complete knowledge, solutions, and guidance to all the problems related to life. If you want to avail his astrological services then you can visit his website chiragdaruwalla.com. For guidance on problems related to your life, you can talk to Astrologer Chirag Daruwalla on Call/ Whatsapp: +91 8141566266 or also mail: info@chiragdaruwalla.com

21st November 2025 to 27th November 2025

Ganesha says that the people of Aries will get many opportunities to advance their careers and businesses this week. Although you may have to run a little more to get it. At the beginning of the week, with the help of a good friend or an influential person, you will get a chance to work on a profit plan.

Taurus

Ganesha says that the people of Taurus who were wandering for livelihood for a long time, their wish can be fulfilled this week. This week you will get great opportunities to grow your career and business. Unexpected profit is possible in business.

Gemini

Ganesha says that at the beginning of the week, life will be seen giving you many opportunities to move forward. This time will prove to be very auspicious for those working in real estate and those working on marketing, commission, etc. You will get an opportunity to participate in some auspicious program in the middle of the week.

Cancer

Ganesha says that at the beginning of the week itself, the mind will remain a little disturbed due to differences with a member of the family or a dear person. During this time, financial worries will increase if more out-of-pocket money is spent on house repairs, etc.

If you are doing business in partnership then some misunderstandings may arise with your partner.

Leo

Ganesha says that at the beginning of the week, long pending tasks will be completed. Especially,y there will be progress in the works related to the ruling government. Employed people will get the desired promotion or transfer. Those who were working on a particular project may get special recognition for their work this week.

Virgo

Ganesha says that the people of Virgo will need to control both their speech and behavior this week. A small mistake or misbehavior of yours can spoil the work done by you. At the beginning of the week, you will need to maintain a better rapport not only with your seniors but also with your juniors in your workplace.

Libra

Ganesha says that for the people of the Libra zodiac, this week includes all kinds of success and happiness related to life. At the beginning of the week, you will get an opportunity to participate in any religious or auspicious program.

Scorpio

Ganesha says that the car of life of the people of the Scorpio zodiac will be seen running fast this week too, sometimes intermittently. Overall, this week is going to be full of ups and downs for the people of Scorpio.

Sagittarius

Ganesha says that the people of Sagittarius will have to work extra hard this week to complete their tasks on time and achieve the desired success. If you can manage your energy and time properly, then you will get the desired success. In the middle of the week, any big problem related to home and family will cause you concern.

Capricorn

Ganeshasays that if the people of Capricorn were worried about something for some time, then the solution to this problem will come out this week. Concerns related to career business will go away and employed people will get the desired support from both their seniors and juniors.

Aquarius

Ganesha says that this week is going to be better for the people of Aquarius as compared to the previous week. At the beginning of the week, you will be successful in your important tasks, due to which your mind will be happy and you will be able to carry out your tasks with new energy.

Pisces

Ganesha says that the people of Pisces should focus on their goal this week without giving importance to small things. Especially in the workplace, you must keep this in mind because your opponents may try to distract you from your goal. If you do not want your happiness to be affected, then you should avoid taking your home problems to the office and office problems to your home.

( Celebrity Astrologer Chirag Daruwalla)

Indian-Origin Undocumented Man Convicted for Role in Multi-Million Elder Scam

GAINESVILLE, FL – A federal jury has convicted Atharva Shailesh Sathawane, 22, of India, on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, according to an announcement by John P. Heekin, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin praised the collaborative work of federal and local agencies, noting that Sathawane—described as a criminal alien—played a direct role in a largescale scheme targeting vulnerable elderly Americans. “This successful prosecution was made possible by the outstanding investigative work of our local and federal law enforcement partners,” Heekin said. “We will see to it that fraudsters are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

DHS Reports Over

200,000

Job Applications for ICE Positions

WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has received more than 200,000 job applications, reflecting an unprecedented level of interest in federal law enforcement careers.

ICE, whose mission is to “protect America from the cross-border crime and illegal immigration that threaten national security and public safety,” plays a vital role in upholding the nation’s immigration laws and safeguarding communities across the country.

To achieve this mission, ICE focuses on several core priorities:

• Enforcing immigration laws through safe and lawful practices

• Preventing terrorism and national security threats

• Disrupting and dismantling transnational criminal organizations involved in smuggling, trafficking, and other illicit activities

As part of its nationwide recruitment campaign, ICE is offering a range of federal employment incentives to attract top candidates. Eligible applicants may qualify for:

• Up to $50,000 in signing bonuses

• Student loan repayment and forgiveness programs

• 25% Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agents

• Administratively Uncontrollable Overtime (AUO) for Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Deportation Officers Enhanced federal retirement benefits.

Evidence presented at trial showed that Sathawane acted as a courier in an international elder-fraud network responsible for defrauding victims of roughly $8 million. Conspirators manipulated elderly individuals into liquidating retirement accounts and converting their savings into cash or gold. While unlawfully in the United States, Sathawane traveled to multiple states to collect these assets directly from victims—often in parking lots— before passing them to unidentified associates. Investigators determined that he coordinated many of these pickups with co-conspirators based in India, his home country.

The scheme unraveled when one targeted victim grew suspicious and contacted law enforcement. Gainesville Police set up a controlled operation, luring Sathawane to the victim’s residence under the pretense of collecting more gold. He was arrested upon arrival. A

Evidence presented at trial showed that Sathawane acted as a courier in an international elder-fraud network responsible for defrauding victims of roughly $8 million.

forensic review of his cellphone revealed involvement in more than 30 transactions across various states, many resulting in victims losing their life savings or suffering severe financial harm.

Sathawane faces up to 20 years in federal prison for each count. The case was investigated jointly by the Gainesville Police Department, FBI, and IRS-Criminal Investigations, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Hapner. Sentencing is scheduled for December 16, 2025, before Chief U.S. District Judge Allen C. Winsor in Gainesville.

Federal Judge Frees Hundreds Arrested in Chicago Raids

CHICAGO, IL - A federal judge has ordered the release of hundreds of people arrested in recent months across the Chicago area amid the Trump administration’s intensified immigration raids.

On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Cummings directed the Justice Department to provide, by 19 November, a detailed list identifying which of the 615 potential class members remain in custody, according to the Chicago Tribune. Cummings said he would authorize the release of detainees on $1,500 bond, provided they have no criminal history or prior removal order. The ACLU of Illinois stated that the ruling will result in the immediate release of 13 people who remain in federal detention.

As part of his order, Cummings also barred federal officials from coercing detainees into accepting voluntary deportation while their cases are pending, the Tribune reported.

The ruling follows the Trump administration’s “Operation Midway Blitz,” a sweeping enforcement campaign in which federal agents launched aggressive immigration raids throughout Chicago. During these actions, officers have been accused of using excessive force against protesters, including deploying tear gas and pepper spray.

In a statement to The Guardian, the ACLU of Illinois praised the judge’s ruling. Michelle Garcia, the organization’s deputy legal director, emphasized the significance of the 13 immediate releases and noted that more than 600 additional people could be freed within a week on bond or electronic monitoring.

Judge bars officials from using pressure tactics to secure voluntary departures during ongoing immigration proceedings

Garcia said the forthcoming review will determine whether the arrests violated a 2022 consent decree governing warrantless detentions in the Chicago area. The lawsuit— brought by the ACLU and the National Immigrant Justice Center— alleges that federal agents violated that agreement by conducting warrantless arrests during the recent crackdown.

“Most importantly,” Garcia added, “the court has committed to enforcing our agreement with the federal government—a step that paves the way for even more of the hundreds of people illegally arrested and detained during Operation Midway Blitz to be

released. The court is holding ICE and CBP accountable for breaking the law.” Meanwhile, Justice Department attorney William Weiland described the ruling as “highly significant” and urged Cummings to pause any release order until he could consult with department leadership. Weiland asserted that at least 12 of the 615 individuals posed a substantial security concern and argued the government needed additional time to complete vetting, according to the Tribune.

Cummings has instructed both sides to submit a status report by 21 November.

The ruling comes just weeks after a coalition of immigrant-rights groups— led by the ACLU of Illinois and the MacArthur Justice Center—filed a separate lawsuit accusing federal authorities of subjecting detainees to “torturous” conditions inside a Chicago-area ICE facility.

Atharva Shailesh Sathawane, 22

HiIndia Newsdesk

Representative image (Photo credit: United States Courts)

IAMA-IL Honors Its Legacy at the Prestigious 45th Gala Evening

CHICAGO, IL -In the crisp embrace of a fall evening, the Indian American Medical Association (IAMA), Illinois Chapter, transformed a chilly night into a vibrant tapestry of camaraderie and cultural pride at its 45th Annual Gala and Business Meeting. Held at Ashyana Banquets in Downers Grove, the event celebrated the unbreakable bond Indian American physicians share through service, heritage, and community. Laughter, melodies, and heartfelt stories filled the halls as the gala honored healers whose impact extends far beyond clinic walls. The evening opened with infectious charm from hosts Ashok and Megha Doshi. “Relax and enjoy a fun-filled evening,” Ashok urged, while Megha humorously defended her “gift of gab,” noting research that links conversation to better cognitive health. Their banter set the perfect tone for the patriotic performances that followed.

Sixteen-year-old Ashi Sarai moved the audience with a resonant rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” followed by Dr. Rohit Vasa’s soulful presentation of “Jana Gana Mana,” beautifully bridging the homeland and adopted land that shape this

The evening opened with infectious charm from hosts Ashok and Megha Doshi. “Relax and enjoy a fun-filled evening,” Ashok urged, while Megha humorously defended her “gift of gab,” noting research that links conversation to better cognitive health.

community.

Jason Shah, son of outgoing President Dr. Dilip Shah, stepped in as Master of Ceremonies. A tech entrepreneur, he blended humor with heartfelt admiration for physicians, calling them “community connectors” whose willingness to help—whether during emergencies or casual inquiries—brings

irreplaceable comfort.

Blending business with celebration, President-Elect Dr. Meher Medavaram introduced chief guest Larry Herman, Village President of Oakbrook, who praised the region’s remarkable concentration of medical professionals and the enduring contributions of IAMA members.

Gandhi Cultural Center Showcases

Vibrant Sanskriti Day in St. Louis

ST. LOUIS, MO - The Mahatma Gandhi Cultural Center successfully hosted its annual Sanskriti Day cultural program in St. Louis, MO, bringing together participants from ages 5 to 85 for a vibrant celebration of India’s rich cultural heritage.

Established as an annual tradition by the late Smt. Vijaylakshmi Buddhiraju, a dedicated board member whose vision centered on preserving and promoting Indian culture, Sanskriti Day continues to honor her legacy. This year’s event showcased an impressive array of performances spanning classical and folk dance forms from across India, featuring talented artists representing multiple generations of the Indian-American community. The cultural extravaganza was coordinated by a dedicated Event Coordinating Committee: Girija Kasinadhuni, Shailee Saran Varanasi, Sunitha Ragala, Haridas Kartha, Dilip Das, Vijaya Kumar Buddhiraju, Kavitha Mulinti, and Minila Chengalvala.

exemplified the spirit of unity in diversity.

The program featured a diverse lineup of performances, including classical Bharatanatyam and Kathak, as well as regional folk dances such as Giddha, Garba, and Tamil Folk, performed by dancers from various dance schools and choreographers.

Special guest performances by KalashramUSA, along with community member felicitations, added a professional and celebratory touch to the evening.

The annual business meeting, led by Secretary Dr. Rajeev Kumar, confirmed the 2026 leadership slate: Dr. Kumar as President-Elect, Dr. Neetha Dhananjaya as SecretaryElect, and Dr. Vivek Mohan as Treasurer-Elect. Incoming President Dr. Medavaram joined fellow officers for a celebratory moment on stage.

Outgoing President Dr. Dilip Shah reflected on a year of meaningful initiatives—from charity drives and free medical camps serving over 400 people to international travel, educational events, and youth research awards. He thanked his team, especially Dr. Niranjana Shah, for steadfast support.

AAPI President Dr. Amit Chakrabharti commended IAMA as a national model of service and cultural pride while outlining upcoming national initiatives and global engagements.

Awards recognizing leadership, service, and excellence punctuated the night, followed by a spirited musical performance by Heat Fire and team. Dinner, conversation, and dance brought the evening to a warm close—affirming that medicine, at its heart, remains a bridge across communities, generations, and dreams.

Pregnant Indian Woman Killed in Sydney Crash

Guided by the leadership of the Mahatma Gandhi Cultural Center Board of Directors—President Vissa Sriram, Dundoo Raghunandan, Jitendra Prabhu, Vijaya Kumar Buddhiraju,

Anjan Roy, Bhargavi Patel, Mohinder Partap, Mahendra Gunapati, Ravi Shlut, and Jay Patel—the event truly

In addition to the stage performances, attendees enjoyed a variety of Indian food and merchandise stalls that offered an authentic taste of India’s culinary richness and cultural artistry. School-aged children participated enthusiastically in Rangoli, Essay Writing, and Drawing competitions, proudly expressing their creativity and cultural connection.

The evening concluded with a prize and certificate distribution ceremony, followed by complimentary pizza for all participants.

Overall, the event reaffirmed the Mahatma Gandhi Cultural Center’s unwavering commitment to preserving and promoting Indian cultural traditions across generations within the St. Louis community.

A tragic road accident in Sydney claimed the life of 33-year-old pregnant Indian woman Samanvita Dhareswar, who was eight months pregnant and out on a walk with her husband and three-year-old son when the incident occurred. The accident took place in Hornsby near Sydney, where a car had stopped to let the family pass, but another vehicle rammed it from behind, causing the stationary car to surge forward and run over Samanvita. While her husband and child were unharmed, both she and her unborn baby could not be saved despite immediate medical attention from emergency responders and subsequent treatment at Westmead Hospital.

Australian police arrested a 19-yearold provisional licence holder after reviewing dashcam footage, charging him with dangerous driving causing death—an offence that carries a possible 10-year prison sentence.

HiIndia Newsdesk

Muslim Civic Coalition-Activate Endorses Bushra Amiwala for Congress in IL-9

HiIndia Newsdesk

SKOKIE, L —Muslim Civic Coalition-Activate, a prolific political organization that supports strong Muslim candidates for public office, has endorsed Bushra Amiwala for the U.S. House of Representatives in Illinois’ 9th Congressional district.

The organization only endorses candidates who have demonstrated an ability to compete with strong fundraising numbers, a stacked roster of volunteers and a dynamic campaign operation. The Coalition then evaluates which candidates will fight for representation and just laws that improve the quality of life for their constituents.

"I couldn’t be more proud to accept this endorsement from the Muslim

Civic Coalition-Activate,” elected Skokie school board member Bushra Amiwala said. “This organization has long played an integral role in helping the best and brightest candidates in

Illinois win office. I look forward to working alongside them to engage voters and build momentum over the next twelve months.” Amiwala earned an endorsement alongside Rep. Delia

Ramirez (IL-3), Junaid Ahmed and Illinois State Representative Nabeela Syed. All will be up for election in 2026.

“Our vision is an equitable and representative America with civic justice for all. We’re in the business of supporting trusted leadership for Illinois. That’s exactly what Bushra Amiwala will bring us in Congress,” the Coalition said in a statement.

“We encourage you to check out Bushra’s campaign website for volunteer opportunities and continue looking out for ways to help her to victory.”

The Coalition urges its members and supporters to vote for Amiwala in the upcoming democratic primary. The election date is set for March 17, 2026, with early voting opening a few weeks beforehand.

CRY America Successfully Completes

Coast-to-Coast

Walk Series for Child Rights

According to CRY America, the CRY Walks serve as “a bridge between lost dreams and new beginnings” for underprivileged children, channeling American community engagement toward a global mission.

NEW YORK, NY- Child Rights and You (CRY) America successfully concluded its annual CRY Walk 2025 series across the United States. The nationwide series offers a meaningful platform for community members to champion the rights of children who are denied basic opportunities to live, learn, grow, and play. This year’s events mobilized hundreds of community volunteers, donors, sponsors, and walking enthusiasts in major cities including Los Angeles, Seattle, New Jersey, Boston, Houston, and San Diego. Each walk typically featured a 5K route along scenic trails or through community parks, complemented by student-led activities, dance warm-up sessions, and refreshments.

Shefali Sunderlal, President of CRY America, expressed gratitude to all participants, saying, “We thank everyone who came together to support our CRY Walk events to ensure a better childhood for underprivileged children. Every step is an investment into a child’s future. When we ensure that the rights of children are protected, we create a better world for

everyone.”

She also extended special recognition to the high school students who helped organize the walks across multiple cities.

According to CRY America, the CRY Walks serve as “a bridge between lost dreams and new beginnings” for underprivileged children, channeling American community engagement toward a global mission.

Palak Gosalia, volunteer leader for CRY San Diego, highlighted the events’ local impact, noting, “Volunteering with CRY events like the CRY Walk sparks meaningful conversations, fosters empathy, and mobilizes support for a great cause. They make a direct impact in our immediate community and enable long-term change for children in underserved areas.”

Gujarati PR Hopeful Forced to Leave Canada

A 28-year-old Gujarati man, Ankit Patel, who had been waiting for his Canadian permanent residency, now faces returning to India after Ontario abruptly shut down the very immigration category he applied under, citing widespread fraudulent applications. Ankit arrived in Canada in 2019 on a student visa, completed engineering and supply chain studies at Fanshawe College, and later worked for three years as a CNC operator on a work permit. In October 2024, with only three months left on his permit, he applied for PR under Ontario’s Skilled Trades stream of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).

Teen Girl Survives After Dramatic NYPD Rescue in Harlem River

NEW YORK, NY — The NYPD has released dramatic body-camera footage showing officers rescuing a teenage girl from the Harlem River on Tuesday afternoon.

According to officials, officers were dispatched shortly after 2 p.m. following reports of a girl in distress near East 142nd Street. As the responding officers approached the riverbank, dispatch notified them that the teen had already entered the water.

The video shows three officers

sprinting toward the scene. Over the sounds of rushing water, the girl can be heard desperately screaming, “Help me, help me, please!”

Before one officer prepared to jump in, another is heard urgently asking, “Can you swim? Can you swim?” Moments later, the officer leapt into the Harlem

River without hesitation and reached the struggling teen. Working together, the two officers on shore pulled both the rescuer and the girl safely out of the water, as captured on the bodycamera footage.

Emergency medical personnel transported the teen by ambulance to a nearby hospital. Her condition has not been released.

The NYPD identified the heroic officers as Ankit Gupta, Wilmer Guerrero, and Shuaibul Amine, all of whom played a crucial role in the lifesaving rescue.

HiIndia Newsdesk

The heroic officers as Ankit Gupta, Wilmer Guerrero, and Shuaibul Amine

Officer Ankit Gupta, Wilmer Guerrero, and Shuaibul Amine played a crucial role in the lifesaving rescue.

MATRIMONIAL

Telugu, Brahmin Parents invite Matrimonial correspondence for their 40 years old, widowed, no children, IT Professional daughter from suitable match aged 41 to 44 years old, handsome, hindu brahmin, vegetarian, very understanding, loving and compassionate person. No language bar, must be permanent resident or USA citizen. For further details please contact 217-474-5815